The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today made public the Guide for Parliamentary Secretaries, which is designed to provide them with key information about their role within Canada’s system of responsible parliamentary government.

The guide outlines the rules and policies that relate to their work as parliamentary secretaries, including their activities pertaining to House of Commons business and their department-related duties as assigned by their minister. The guide builds on the general principles and direction provided in Open and Accountable Government, which sets out expectations for the conduct of ministers and describes their roles and responsibilities within government.

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“We are focused on modernizing government to make sure that it is open and responsive to the needs of Canadians. Being open with Canadians is one of our top priorities because we believe transparency is a vital element of effective governance.”

- Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

Quick Facts

• This guide is being published publicly for the first time.

• The Guide for Parliamentary Secretaries has traditionally been issued to new parliamentary secretaries, their ministers, and deputy ministers. While the topics covered in this version are similar to past versions, updates have been made to reflect changes to rules, regulations and priorities.

• Work has already begun to make the Government of Canada more open and transparent by making ministerial mandate letters available to the public and releasing Open and Accountable Government. Other commitments that will be acted upon include making government information more accessible, making it easier for Canadians to access their own personal information, embracing open data, and disclosing parliamentary expenses.

Related Product

• Guide for Parliamentary Secretaries

Associated Links

• News release: Prime Minister of Canada makes ministerial mandate letters public
• News release: Prime Minister releases guide for ministers
• Open and Accountable Government