Human Resources committee  I would just mention the new budget investment on the sectoral workforce solutions to look at labour force solutions for caregivers—that's one new investment we'll be working on—as well as the commitment for a care economy strategy.

Public Accounts committee  Are you speaking to the large system integrator contract?

Public Accounts committee  I very much appreciate the concern around the intricacy of this project and the risks associated with it. I can assure you that we have a very strong contingent of public servants working on this project under the leadership of Cliff and John. The reality is, though, that we don't have all the expertise, as the deputy auditor general noted.

Public Accounts committee  I'm not in a position to identify which dates. I have regular conversations with ministers on a weekly basis. I don't know if I'm in a position to declare which dates.

Public Accounts committee  We will certainly look to see what briefings have taken place, particularly with respect to the lead minister, with whom there have been a large number of briefings.

Public Accounts committee  I would note that there are other ministers who are a key part of this as well, who are involved in an oversight committee. The Minister of Public Services and Procurement and—

Public Accounts committee  As noted, we're working within a project authority of $2.2 billion. We have spent $853 million to date. At present we are responding to the AG's recommendations on improving the costing. There are some further decisions to be made on the scope of the remaining work. Some of the phases of the project remain fairly speculative at this point, too, so we don't have a full-fledged program of work costed out for the next 10 years, if that's what the question is seeking.

Public Accounts committee  We can certainly speak to the plans with respect to the $2.2 billion, but as noted, additional work that's expected above and beyond that is currently being costed out. Some choices are being made on the project scope—what will be in, what will be out and those kinds of things. We can certainly speak to the original budget and the $2.2-billion project envelope that we're working with.

Public Accounts committee  That is not the estimate that we're working toward.

Public Accounts committee  I can speak to the accountabilities within Employment and Social Development. The lead for the project is Minister Beech, the services delivery minister. Of the three statutory programs I mentioned, two of them are the responsibility of Minister O'Regan. Those are the Canada pension plan and old age security.

Public Accounts committee  That is correct.

Public Accounts committee  Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. Thanks for the opportunity to discuss the Auditor General's report, “The Benefits Delivery Modernization Programme”. The Government of Canada welcomes the report and its recommendations. They will help us refine our project management approach, not only for this project, but also for other large IT projects.