Finance committee  In March of this year, the Province of Quebec and the Government of Canada entered into a comprehensive integrated tax coordination agreement, what we refer to as a CITCA, whereby Quebec agrees to make a number of changes to the Quebec sales tax in order to harmonize it with the goods and services tax.

Finance committee  Good afternoon, Mr. Chair. My name is Sherry Harrison and I am the Assistant Deputy Minister responsible for Corporate Services at the Department of Finance. With me today are officials to assist in responding to your questions on the 2012-2013 supplementary estimates (B) for the Department of Finance.

Finance committee  I am familiar with the recent study on the estimates process. There were a number of recommendations that I believe will address some of the issues you've raised with regard to the timing and release of information, particularly with respect to supplementary information being made available in an electronic format on the websites and such.

Finance committee  A number of the Department of Finance statutory items that are being reflected in the estimates are bringing the estimates up to date for information that was made available through the tabling of the budget. That's information that's already been out in the domain. With respect to the operating costs, we can respond to additional information.

Finance committee  The Harbourfront Centre program was renewed for five years in the recent budget. So the $5 million represents this year's payment as well as a reprofiling of the last year into this year to allow for a quarterly payment. It's for the renewal of the program.

Finance committee  I'm sorry I don't have an official here from PPP Canada to speak to this. We'd be pleased to respond to the committee in writing on that one.

Finance committee  If I may, there's also a schedule on page 55 of the supplementary estimates that specifies the transfer payments, totalling $1.583 billion.

Finance committee  The additional fiscal equalization is $952.1 million; the transitional payment to Newfoundland and Labrador, $536.1 million; the incentive for provinces to eliminate taxes on capital, $86.4 million; the additional fiscal equalization offset payment to Nova Scotia, $33.7 million; the additional fiscal equalization to Nova Scotia, $17.9 million; the youth allowance recovery, $7.95 million; and the alternative payments to standing programs, $34.6 million.

Finance committee  Perhaps my colleague could respond.

Finance committee  We have a colleague to respond to that.

Finance committee  My understanding is that the—

Finance committee  The accounting for it will be reflected in the Public Accounts of Canada. Depending on the timing of the repayment, we may reflect a revised forecast for the statutory amount in the estimates.

Finance committee  The funding in the estimates is for an advertising campaign following the federal budget to ensure awareness of key budget initiatives, programs, and benefits for Canadians, and how to access them.

Finance committee  I'm sorry, that question should be referred to the Office of the Auditor General.

Finance committee  No, I'm sorry. Mr. Chair, we came here to speak specifically to the Minister of Finance's department. We don't have officials here to speak to the estimates of the Auditor General.