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Micro-credential in Parliamentary Oversight of Public Finance

㽶Ƶ’s new Micro-credential in Parliamentary Oversight of Public Finance is designed for Members of Parliament newly appointed to one of the legislature committees (e.g., Appropriations, Budget, Finance, or Public Accounts) and for staff supporting them. The micro-credential comprises two six-week courses (Parliamentary Committees and Public Financial Management) which together provide a comprehensive overview of the role of parliament in overseeing public finance and how committees can be effectively organized to ensure impact.

This micro-credential will help you gain hands-on experience and skills that will set you apart in the field. Upon successful completion, you will receive aDigital Badgeand anAttestation of Completion.

Type: Micro-credential
Courses: 2
Schedule: Part-time
Delivery: Online
Time to complete: 2 six-week courses
Questions? parl.scs [at] mcgill.ca

Microcredential in Parliamentary Oversight of Public Finance

This micro-credential counts towards the completion of the Professional Development Certificate in Parliamentary Management or Parliamentary Governance

Over the past decade of providing training and skills development for legislators and parliamentary staff from around the world, 㽶Ƶ has found that one issue overshadows the others: the role that parliaments play in the budget process, the way they assert their constitutional right to scrutinize, amend, and in some cases reject budgets as presented by governments. Having effective committees oversee budget formulation, approval, implementation, and audit is key. Yet legislators (and the staff supporting them) tell us they often feel that they lack the skills to effectively carry out their committee duties.

This micro-credential is designed to meet that gap: to give legislators and staff the knowledge and skills they need to ensure effective oversight of public finance.

Both courses in this micro-credential are practical and interactive. The first examines the role that committees play in the work of parliament, and the factors that contribute to their success, or otherwise. Focus is placed on the “bread and butter” of committee work, namely the process of conducting inquiries, and the important role that committees play in terms of accountability and engagement.

The second course provides a basis for a better understanding of core concepts, objectives, and issues in Public Financial Management (PFM) as they relate to the functions of the legislature. Particular focus is placed on the role of the legislature in the budget cycle: from providing input into the budget formulation, reviewing, approving, amending, or rejecting the budget to monitoring budget implementation and overseeing the audit of budget expenditures..

Upon successful completion of the Micro-credential, you will receive an Attestation of Completion and a digital badge from the 㽶Ƶ School of Continuing Studies.


Course 1:

This course focuses on the role that parliamentary committees play in the work of the parliament and considers the procedural, administrative, research, and analytical support required for committees to function successfully. This course will also examine the important role that committees play in terms of accountability and engagement.


Course 2:

This course looks at the system of rules, processes, procedures, and regulations through which decisions on financial resources are made and implemented.The course aims to provide a basis for better understanding of core concepts, objectives, and issues in public financial management (PFM) as they relate to the functions of the legislature. Particular focus is placed on how PFM impacts three levels of budgetary outcomes: aggregate fiscal discipline, allocative efficiency, and operational performance.


Learning Outcomes


This micro-credential is designed to enhance your skills to:

  • Understand the meaning and relevance of the three main objectives of PFM and how they impact parliament and political choices
  • Analyze the roles of committee chairs, members, and parliamentary staff in ensuring the effectiveness of a committee
  • Appraise the role of the legislature throughout the key stages of the budget process across different jurisdictions
  • Follow the primary steps in conducting a parliamentary inquiry
  • Identify the various forms and benefits of public consultation by committee
  • Clarify the role of a committee in monitoring government activity and scrutinizing draft laws, including the budget

Who Should Apply


MPs and parliamentary staff looking to enhance their knowledge of public finance and how committees can effectively oversee the budget process.


Language Requirements


Proof of English proficiency is not required to enrol in this Micro-credential. However, a good command of English is necessary to perform well and complete the courses.


Tuition, Fees and Dates


Please select individual course links for pricing and dates. Register for both courses as part of this Micro-credential and save $200.



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