Perhaps I could just remind the member, Mr. Chair, that these funds are audited. These communities, small communities--the majority of them are under 500 people--produce over 200 reports a year to four departments. When we did that audit, those departments did little, if anything, with those reports. So the responsibility to actually manage and make sure that the funds are being used appropriately lies with the federal government and the bureaucrats, not an external auditor. There should be management systems in place that will provide sufficient information to government and to Parliament as to how those funds are being used and what outcomes are being attained.
On May 9th, 2006. See this statement in context.