Tory MP's bill unnecessary, could harm independence, say Parliament's watchdogs

OTTAWA — Canada's seven parliamentary watchdogs are urging a Senate committee to quash a Conservative MP's bill, calling it unnecessary and potentially harmful to their independence.

Toronto-area MP Mark Adler's private member's bill would require all employees of the various agents of Parliament to publicly disclose any political jobs they've held over the past decade.

That disclosure — by everyone from senior managers to junior staff — would be posted to the Internet.

The agents, including the auditor general, the privacy and information commissioners and the chief electoral officer, say that the requirement could infringe on privacy rights.

In a letter to the Senate finance committee, they also argue that the measure would subject employees to unwarranted scrutiny and risks that could hinder the work of their offices.

Adler says his bill is designed to prevent any potential conflicts of interest in the future, and was not prompted by any particular case.