But while the PM hopes to play mediator, will the CEO - who is the son of Ferguson's party colleague - take kindly to being administratively neutralized? We asked the Minister of Public Service what he thinks about CEO Leal being forced to check in with his minister for every purchase above $5,000.
Henry Charles Usher, Minister of Public Service
"You're right, the CEO's are the accounting officers for the ministries, they are responsible to make sure that the budgeted monies are used properly, are spent properly, and I think it's important that everybody works together, including the ministers, that make sure that the monies that are budgeted for that particularly ministry or department are spent in accordance with the plans set forth during the budget cycle."
Reporter:
"What about micromanaging though, if they are the accounting officers why does the minister have to be checking above every 5,000?"
Henry Charles Usher, Minister of Public Service
"Well I think, you can say or define it how you want but I think what is important is that we work together in the ministry to make sure that the budgeted funds are used properly and I think that's all the minister wants to make sure of."
