Can Adoption of the United Kingdom's Osmotherly Rules Improve Accountability in Project Delivery in Canada?

Abstract

Major projects, by which many policies get implemented within the Federal Government of Canada, often experience cost overruns and benefit shortfalls. Yet modicum of accountability seems to prevail. While both Canada and the UK grapple with the challenge of balancing ministerial accountability with their respective operational responsibility, Canadian Project Sponsors (CPS) do not have the same leverage as their UK counterparts, the Senior Responsible Owners (SROs), with the public pressure they can wield through an appearance before a parliamentary committee. This is an accountability challenge, not just in terms of the standards needed to assess the behaviour of CPS, but also their relationship to a forum such as a parliamentary committee where they may be held accountable ex post facto. We conclude that Canada may learn from the UK's Osmotherly Rules, which provide guidance on the role of SROs, when they are asked to offer evidence to parliamentary select committees.