Ottawa is seeking a permanent parliamentary budget officer with 'tact and discretion'

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.