e-7359 (Parliament and politics)

In our system of government, Parliament is both the legislative branch and the pre-eminent institution of democratic accountability. Clear ministerial accountability to Parliament is fundamental to responsible government and requires that Ministers provide Parliament with the information it needs to fulfill its roles of legislating, approving the appropriation of funds, and holding the government to account. Under responsible government, Ministers exercise executive authority on the basis that they have the confidence of Parliament, which requires that they, and through them the officials under their management and direction, be accountable to Parliament for their actions.

As the petition notes, the House of Commons Question Period is a vital component of Canada’s Parliamentary system of government. All Ministers are responsible to Parliament, which includes responding to questions on their files during Question Period in the House of Commons. In the context of their accountability to Parliament, Ministers are required to answer parliamentary questions within their areas of authority and to correct any error at the earliest opportunity. If a Minister is unavoidably absent, a designated Minister or Parliamentary Secretary answers on their behalf. Parliament has also provided mechanisms for members to request further information from Ministers should the member remain unsatisfied with the answers given.

The Prime Minister is leading Canada during a critical period of unprecedented change. In his first year in office, he has set out on an ambitious path to build a stronger, more independent, more competitive, economy, including by strengthening Canada’s trading relationships, building major projects, and making generational investments to empower Canadian workers.

During this time, the Prime Minister has participated in Question Period on more than a weekly basis, supported by a strong team of ministers who participate every day. He has taken a collaborative approach, including meeting with the leaders of all parties to discuss shared legislative priorities.