Government Operations committee  You are asking me what the facts of that particular contract are. I don't have all the facts. If you want the facts, bring the minister here. Let him answer. What I am prepared to say is that my responsibility in Treasury Board is to ensure that there is accountability, that there is transparency, and that the business of the government gets done in an effective and efficient manner.

Government Operations committee  I'm suggesting that you go right to the horse's mouth and have the minister here, and he can explain exactly what he has done. I'm not going to get into any kind of conjecture in that respect. I've heard the minister explain it in the House in the same way that you have. I'm satisfied on the basis of what I have heard.

Government Operations committee  I can tell you how procurements generally are done. You've indicated, for example, that this was sole-source. Even that's a matter of debate. As I understand it, it was one of what we call ACANs, so the criteria as to what was required were put out there publicly: who else can meet these criteria?

Government Operations committee  I think you would have to go to the military to ask that particular question.

Government Operations committee  I think there have been ten leaks of the report since about 2000.

Government Operations committee  There are a number of things. As parliamentarians, you can provide us with ongoing advice. I do note, just before I answer that question, that when you're working in a line department, for example, that will be affected by an act's coming in, you don't want to spend too much money and time on any particular thing if in fact that act is going to be defeated.

Government Operations committee  Perhaps you can tell me what specific information you would like and I can answer the question.

Government Operations committee  I'll see whether I'm able to do that.

Government Operations committee  It wasn't single source, as I understand it.

Government Operations committee  Well, you've made all kinds of assumptions and statements and put them all together in what is not, particularly, a very neat package.

Government Operations committee  First of all, to simply suggest that the Minister of National Defence was somehow in some kind of conflict because, I understand, he was a lobbyist for one firm or another.... The assumption you're making here is that he was in conflict, which was not in some way detected, and that there was something inappropriately done.

Government Operations committee  Perhaps you would want to call the minister responsible for the contract to ask how that was done.

Government Operations committee  That's right. Well, let me finish now. I'm prepared to answer questions in respect of my responsibilities in ensuring that there are appropriate Treasury Board rules in place, that appropriate officials are accountable, and that things are done in accordance with that. I don't have all the facts about every contract.

Government Operations committee  As I understand it, all of the $1 billion in savings have been reallocated in those areas to ensure that those kinds of needs are met. In the literacy area, for example, $81 million is going towards actual literacy programs, as opposed to lobbying groups. The court challenges program is an interesting example.

Government Operations committee  This issue was discussed quite fully at the public accounts committee yesterday, and officials who were there—