(DOWNLOAD) "Research Services for Parliamentary Committees." by Canadian Parliamentary Review ~ Book PDF Kindle ePub Free
eBook details
- Title: Research Services for Parliamentary Committees.
- Author : Canadian Parliamentary Review
- Release Date : January 22, 1996
- Genre: Law,Books,Professional & Technical,
- Pages : * pages
- Size : 244 KB
Description
Responsibilities of parliamentary committees have developed considerably since the mid-1970s and the role of staff assisting them has mirrored these changes. In 1974, the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament provided staff to nine standing and special committees. In 1995, it assisted 32 standing committees (plus 12 subcommittees) of the two Houses, as well as several special committees. Only a few committees of the two Houses are not assisted by the Research Branch. Almost all of the Branch's 60 professionals are assigned to at least one committee on an ongoing basis. Officers serve committees either individually or in multidisciplinary teams of two or three and may also collaborate with consultants engaged by a committee. This paper review the role of Research Branch staff in the overall context of the parliamentary committee system. Originally House of Commons standing committees could only deal with matters specifically referred to them by the House. In 1968, they were given automatic authority to review departmental spending estimates and most bills were referred to them for clause-by-clause analysis after second reading in the House. During the 1980's, following several parliamentary committee reports on the reform of Parliament which focused on improving the role of backbench members, the powers of committees increased considerably. Committee membership was limited to 10 to 15 persons to permit more focus, more consistency in membership and the development of expertise. Committees were authorized to initiate enquiries related to the issues within their mandates and to require a formal government response to their reports. Budgets were provided and the hiring of staff was authorized.