PACP Committee Report

RECOMMENDATION 1

That the government adopt guidelines that instruct public servants on the identification and avoidance of conflicts of interest and appearance of conflict of interest in the awarding of public opinion research contracts.

RECOMMENDATION 2

That the government demand a full list of firms involved in any consortium bidding for government contracts including public opinion research contracts.

RECOMMENDATION 3

That requests for proposals be drafted in a way that does not unnecessarily exclude potential bidders.

RECOMMENDATION 4

That, as recommended in its 9th Report of the 38th Parliament, 1st Session, administrative penalties up to and including dismissal from the Public Service of Canada be established to discourage non-compliance with contracting rules and regulations.

RECOMMENDATION 5

That all departments submit written reports on all public opinion research, including public opinion research delivered orally as per the new Public Works and Government Services public opinion research guidelines.

RECOMMENDATION 6

That the Treasury Board reissue its written policy prohibiting the government from purchasing public opinion research providing electoral voting behaviour information.

RECOMMENDATION 7

That political polling be prohibited after an election writ has been issued and, that there be no reporting on polling results during an election period for public opinion research work begun before the issuing of the writ.

RECOMMENDATION 8

That the Treasury Board issue clear guidelines on focus groups or real time research to ensure that it provides feedback on government policies only without encroaching into the realm of political opinion and party preferences.

RECOMMENDATION 9

That Public Works and Government Services Canada ensure 100% compliance with the public disclosure requirement and that it report on its success in its departmental performance reports.