QUESTION PERIOD — Privy Council Office
Mandate Letters
October 17, 2023
My question is for the Government Representative in the Senate.
Senator Gold, this past July, we saw a major cabinet shuffle that welcomed in many new faces and even introduced a new portfolio in the Minister of Citizens’ Services. This shuffle represented a change of priorities for this government in order to meet the challenges Canadians are facing every day.
We have yet to see the new mandate letters for these ministers, though. I have found the timely publication of these letters incredibly useful in determining the goals of the government and making sure I can hold these ministers to account when they appear before us. Can we expect a new crop of mandate letters and, if so, when?
Thank you for your question. Colleagues, the ministers and this government are continuing to work hard to fulfill their responsibilities. My understanding is that the current mandate letters published in accordance with the beginning of the mandate in December 2021 exist and remain available online. I’m not advised of any updates, but I’d be glad to bring your comments forward to the government.
Thank you. I appreciate you asking and moving forward on that. I would think that if we’re looking at a shift in ministers and a new minister that there would also be subsequent adjustment or refinement of mandates. I look forward to ensuring that we have some connection between those two soon.
As I said, I’m not aware that there are plans to update them, but I will certainly raise that with the appropriate ministers.
