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Reforms needed in Canada, judge says

TORONTO - A federal judge whose corruption investigation helped seal the downfall of Canada's Liberal Party government recommended an overhaul of federal powers on Wednesday.

Whether the incoming Conservative regime of Stephen Harper follows the recommendations remains to be seen.

Justice John Gomery - appointed by outgoing Prime Minister Paul Martin to investigate a Liberal Party kickback scheme that became Canada's version of Watergate - proposed curbing the prime minister's ability to manage special reserve funds, surpluses used by the prime minister's office for special projects that don't always fall under official oversight.

The Gomery Commission also recommended the prime minister no longer have sole power to appoint deputy ministers, the top bureaucrats in each government department. The positions, responsible for administration and policy implementation, are filled by political appointment. Gomery favors open competition for the jobs, with candidates vetted by a board composed of bureaucrats and outside experts.

The 73-year-old Quebec Superior Court judge also said the public accounts committee of the House of Commons should be better funded and staffed, to boost its role as a watchdog on public spending.

"Canadians see the problem in a refreshingly simple way, when they ask: Who is in charge, who is accountable and who is responsible," Gomery told a news conference. "What this report does is to propose a basic framework for restoring basic accountability."

Harper, set to be sworn in as prime minister on Monday, campaigned on a platform of cleaning up the government. He made no commitment Wednesday on adopting Gomery's proposals.

[Last modified February 2, 2006, 02:15:36]