All-Party Vote for Quebec Auditor General

Summary#

This bill changes how Québec’s Auditor General is chosen. The Auditor General is the independent official who reviews government spending and reports to the National Assembly.

• The Auditor General would be picked on a joint proposal from the Premier, the Leader of the Official Opposition, and the leaders of all other parties that hold seats.
• The choice would also need approval from two-thirds of all members of the National Assembly.
• A five‑year “cooling‑off” rule would block anyone who held a top full‑time government job in the last five years from being appointed.
• “Top job” includes senior public servants, people in high‑level posts listed in the Public Service Act, Québec’s international delegates, and CEOs, vice‑presidents, or board members of government agencies.
• The changes would take effect when the bill becomes law.

What it means for you#

• Residents and taxpayers

  • May see stronger independence of the Auditor General, which can improve trust in how public money is watched.
  • Audit reports may be viewed as less political because the Auditor General would be chosen by broad agreement, not just the government of the day.

• Political parties in the National Assembly

  • Leaders would need to work together to propose a candidate acceptable to all represented parties.
  • A two‑thirds vote means broad support is required, giving opposition parties more say.

• Senior public officials and agency leaders

  • If you held a top full‑time government job in the last five years (for example, a senior civil service post, head or board member of a government body, or Québec delegate abroad), you would be ineligible to become Auditor General until the five‑year period ends.

• Government agencies and public bodies

  • Could face continued or heightened scrutiny from an Auditor General seen as more independent from recent senior officials and political leaders.

Expenses#

Estimated fiscal impact: minimal; the bill changes appointment rules and adds eligibility limits, with no new programs.

• No direct new spending is created.
• Some administrative work may be needed to coordinate cross‑party consultations, but costs should be minor.

Proponents' View#

• Broad, cross‑party appointment makes the Auditor General more independent and credible.
• A two‑thirds vote reduces the chance of a partisan or one‑party pick.
• The five‑year cooling‑off period helps avoid conflicts of interest and the appearance of favoritism.
• Keeping recent senior insiders out of the role protects the watchdog from undue influence.
• Clear rules align with good‑governance practices and can increase public trust in audits.

Opponents' View#

• Requiring agreement from many party leaders could delay or deadlock appointments, risking vacancies.
• A two‑thirds threshold gives small parties leverage to block candidates.
• The five‑year ban may be too long and could exclude many qualified people with useful experience.
• The definition of “top job” is broad and might prevent respected public servants or agency leaders from serving.
• More complex appointment rules could make the process slower without clear gains in audit quality.