Mr. Chair, I could even give a lengthier reply not only to the hon. member for Pickering—Scarborough East, but to the hon. member for Beauséjour as well.
I can advise the House that the proportions requested in the bill are intended to provide for all necessary requirements of the Public Service of Canada up to the second supply period in fiscal year 2009-10.
In no instance is the total amount of an item being released by the bill. The form of the bill is the same as that passed in the previous supply period. The passing of the bill will not prejudice the rights and privileges of members to criticize any item in the estimates when they come up for consideration in committee. The usual undertaking is hereby given that such rights and privileges will be respected and will not be curtailed or restricted in any way as a result of the passing of this measure.