Well, this is a bit like setting the cat among the pigeons. The federal Conservatives has just announced that they have appointed Daniel Paille, a former provincial minister of Parti Quebecois governments to look into public opinion research contracts awarded by the previous Liberal government.
Canada's New Government Appoints Independent Advisor to Review Public Opinion Research Practices
Canada's New Government is delivering on its commitment to implement the Federal Accountability Act
OTTAWA, ONTARIO–(CCNMatthews – April 11, 2007) – The Honourable Michael M. Fortier, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, and the Honourable Vic Toews, President of the Treasury Board announced today the appointment of Mr. Daniel Paille as an Independent Advisor who will conduct a review of public opinion research (POR) practices across government.….
The Independent Advisor will review documents related to government public opinion research practices for the period of 1990 to March 31, 2003. More specifically, the review will be conducted on public opinion research contract files; program files and records; public opinion research reports; reviews of public opinion research practices and management carried out by central agencies and departments (i.e., reports, action plans and follow-up reports); and reports of the Auditor General that have been tabled in Parliament. The Independent Advisor will also address issues raised, directly or indirectly, in Chapter 5 of the Auditor General's November 2003 report, and determine whether further action is required. …
Daniel Paille is a guest professor in the finance department at the Ecole des Hautes Etudes Commerciales (HEC) in Montreal, where he gives some courses on corporate finance, ethics and regulations.
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Daniel Paille was Minister of Industry, Commerce, Science and Technology and a member of the Treasury Board in the Government of Quebec from 1994 to 1996. From 1976 to 1988, he was a Tax Expert; Financial Advisor to the Minister; Director of Treasury; Director General, Public Debt and Treasury; and Director General, Financial Management of Government Corporations and the Privatization Program within the Government of Quebec.
Daniel Paille has been a board member of many corporations and member of audit committees. He was also a member and Chairman of the Board of Directors at l'Accueil Bonneau in Montreal, as well as a Member of the National Assembly for the riding of Prevost from 1994 to 1996.