Officers of parliament : a study in government adaptation

Abstract

This thesis explores the concept of Officers of Parliament and their place in the much older concept of responsible government. It argues that the changing nature of responsible government allows a place for Officers of Parliament to assist Parliament in holding government accountable. Since Officers of Parliament act as a check on government, it is necessary for the Officers to be independent from government. This thesis argues that independence is one of the defining characteristics of the Officers. Finally, by examining the relationship of Officers of Parliament with both the Senate and the House of Commons it is possible to see how Officers of Parliament fit into the complex structure of parliamentary government. This examination illustrates how the Houses of Parliament relate to their Officers as well as to each other.