Introduction

Public Accounts Committees (PACs) are an essential component of parliamentary oversight in Westminster systems of government. Unlike other committees, which concentrate on policy, PACs focus on the administration of government programs. Through the endorsement of legislative auditor recommendations, issuing their own recommendations and monitoring the implementation of recommendations, PACs play an instrumental role in driving improvements to public administration and performance in government ministries and Crown organizations. This guide is intended to serve as an orientation and reference for PAC members.

To support the continual progress of PACs in Canada, the Canadian Audit and Accountability Foundation prepared this guide, which includes attributes of effective PACs and a snapshot of the Canadian landscape related to each attribute.  The Canadian snapshots reflect the results of a 2013 survey of PAC chairs, vice-chairs, clerks and researchers.

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