7.7 The Federal Accountability Act established the role of deputy head as an accounting officer.58 To some observers, this role appeared to be separate from the minister’s political accountability and made deputy heads personally responsible for specified aspects of the management of their departments or agencies.59 This interpretation was in line with the recommendations of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Public Accounts.
Aux yeux de certains observateurs, ce rôle semblait distinct de l’obligation de rendre des comptes politiques du ministre; en outre, la Loi rendait les administrateurs généraux personnellement responsables de la gestion de leurs ministères ou organismes59. Cette interprétation allait dans le sens des recommandations du Comité permanent des comptes publics.