Government Operations committee  I understand that it was left vacant after I left, that's correct.

Government Operations committee  The budget is still there. As I mentioned in my comments, this was approved by the Treasury Board and went through the supplementary estimates process.

Government Operations committee  Yes, $1.175 million.

Government Operations committee  Yes, I can provide you information on that. Madam Chair, I should point out that I am no longer in this position. I've had to rely on the goodwill of a number of people in providing the information I have. I requested the Privy Council Office, which was the support mechanism for the secretariat, to provide expenditures as of March 26.

Government Operations committee  I only have it in English today, but I will make sure, Madam Chair, that I can provide it in both languages.

Government Operations committee  That was early in the mandate that we had. And if you'll allow me two seconds, Madam Chair, that was May 18 and 19 and 21 in the United Kingdom. We met with the Commissioner for Public Appointments, Janet Gaymer; Janet Paraskeva, the First Civil Service Commissioner; and Baroness Usha Prashar.

Government Operations committee  I don't recall that date, but it was--

Government Operations committee  I do believe it was in May.

Government Operations committee  That was before the trip, Madam Chair.

Government Operations committee  Madam Chair, the secretariat's work did not stop. It was indicated to me through the Privy Council Office that we would continue to develop the approach to support an eventual commission. The work did not stop.

Government Operations committee  That's correct.

Government Operations committee  I was asked by the Clerk of the Privy Council--and I agreed--to take on new duties.

Government Operations committee  The explanation was that there was a significant amount of work to be done in the places where I am. I should explain that I have two hats, two positions, at the present point in time--one as senior associate deputy minister at the Department of Indian Affairs, and the other as effectively deputy head of Indian Residential Schools Resolution Canada.

Government Operations committee  Thank you, Madam Chair and committee members. Thank you for inviting me to report to your committee on the operations of the Public Appointments Commission Secretariat of which I was the Executive Director and Deputy Head from April 21, 2006, until January 21, 2007. I'd like to begin my comments by providing committee members with some context.