Public Accounts committee  There are two new approaches. The first is called the optimized weapon management system. It applies primarily to existing fleets. The department is trying to consolidate what were previously thousands of contracts into fewer numbers of contracts to support various fleets. They'v

Public Accounts committee  Thank you for the question, Mr. Chairman. Under the government's Treasury Board policy on the code of conduct for public servants, each department is expected to assess the particular risks that apply to its operations and ensure it has measures in place to mitigate those risks.

Public Accounts committee  It is difficult to answer that question, Mr. Chair. It's my last hearing as Interim Auditor General. I'll stick my neck out again. If senior officials say they're going to do something and have committed to the Parliament of Canada that they're going to do something, then I thin

Public Accounts committee  You'll have to forgive me on this one. It's in a level of detail in the chapter that I'll have to re-familiarize myself with, because my backup on this chapter isn't here. He had to go to another meeting. The specifics on the way DND presently allocates its resources to prioriti

Public Accounts committee  We audited three programs in the economic action plan, aggregating some $7 billion of spending. We have a positive message to convey to Parliament. Those three programs were well managed and carefully monitored by the departments. The departments intervened where necessary and en

Public Accounts committee  No, not yet. I think it would be important for the committee to call a meeting on the matter. The last time we audited this program, the Standing Committee on Public Accounts did not get into the process of asking for an action plan and some follow-up. I think the committee woul

Public Accounts committee  That is for the committee to decide. I feel that it is important to hold a hearing into the matter.

Public Accounts committee  I feel that is for the committee to decide. In my opinion, this chapter is a priority and needs a hearing. That would be my recommendation.

Public Accounts committee  I will ask Wendy to answer, Mr. Chair, but, in my view, this audit focuses on health and security.

Public Accounts committee  Thank you.

Public Accounts committee  No, Mr. Chair, it is not normal, and we said exactly the same thing several years ago. So the department has to deal with the issue.

Public Accounts committee  Thank you for that, Mr. Chairman. With your permission, I'll perhaps ask Mr. Maxwell to elaborate. The Department of Agriculture is very aware of this challenge. It is a challenge between targeting the particular needs of an individual producer versus the timeliness of payments.

Public Accounts committee  The only very quick comment I'll make, Mr. Chairman, is that the federal government, in consultation with the provinces, designs the program. Much of the delivery takes place at the provincial governments, so there is a shared responsibility here.

Public Accounts committee  Thank you, Mr. Chair. First of all, I would say that the situation is perhaps even worse than you described it. The department has been able to keep its equipment maintained and operational in the short term, but even there, with respect to the short-term situation, in my view

Public Accounts committee  I hope that it will be different this time. That is a good question to ask the department. I think this is.... Forgive me, Mr. Chair, I probably shouldn't be giving advice to this committee, but I think this points to the important role that this committee can play in the accoun