OTTAWA - Ottawa says it's looking to hire a permanent parliamentary budget officer — someone with "tact and discretion" — just a few months after appointing a highly critical fiscal watchdog on an interim basis.

The federal government's list of governor-in-council appointments includes a posting for a new budget officer — an independent agent of Parliament who offers analysis of budgets, campaign promises and other spending plans.

The Liberals appointed Jason Jacques, a veteran of the office, as interim PBO for six months back in early September before the House of Commons began sitting.

A PBO can serve for a term of up to seven years with a chance for renewal, but a permanent appointment must be approved by Parliament.

Since taking the reins, Jacques has been highly critical of the fe

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