Government Operations committee  Thanks for the question. I think in the recent report on reporting on the budget the government set out its accountability framework for how it was going to be moving forward to implement the economic action plan measures. We've been working closely with departments to try to im

Government Operations committee  As the Privy Council Office we're responsible for trying to ensure some coordination across government, so we've set up a regular series of meetings with the key departments, the main departments that are in charge of delivering the stimulus measures at the senior level. We are m

Government Operations committee  Shortly after the budget, the Privy Council Office, working with colleagues in the Department of Finance and Treasury Board, convened the deputy ministers responsible for each of the departments that have a chunk of the stimulus to get the ball rolling and to organize ourselves t

Government Operations committee  In fact, I think the budget does talk about accelerating to the extent possible—

Government Operations committee  —spending under those programs.

Government Operations committee  I would certainly defer to the Department of Finance on tax measures.

Government Operations committee  I'd like just to add to what my colleagues from the Department of Finance have said. I think, Mr. Chair, one of the things that's important to look at, as well, is the purpose of the programs that have been set up. Clearly, the purpose of the measures set out in budget 2009 is s

Government Operations committee  Yes, there was an extensive pre-budget consultation process. I might wish to turn to my colleagues at the Department of Finance, because the Minister of Finance led the pre-budget consultation, and there was a great deal of discussion with provinces, businesses, and others in th