Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I have a quick comment first, just to add my voice to this debate on whether an independent tribunal is necessary, as opposed to the current system with the labour relations board. I echo my colleagues' comments, because I honestly don't see where the problem is in allowing your members to have a choice.
It would appear to me that if, as you suggest--and you may be quite correct--because of the expertise contained in the labour relations board, we gave them, as you suggested in your amendment, more authority to deal with complaints, I still don't see where the problem is in allowing a member to make the choice themselves. We have had some whistle-blowers come to us and suggest this very thing that we've included in the act. It would appear to me that if your members are asking for it, then you should at least consider it.
I would also suggest that if, in fact, what you're suggesting is true--that the labour relations board is best qualified to deal with these issues--the majority of your members would automatically choose to go before them rather than a tribunal. So I just don't see where the problem is in allowing your members to have a choice, but again that's just my comment. You've made your case, and I'll wait for Ms. Bramwell's written argument on why you believe your position is correct.
I have a specific question and then I have an overriding comment I'd like you both to respond to.
Ms. Demers, you have stated that in the section on access to legal counsel, the $1,500 to $3,000 limits are too low, but you haven't really suggested an amount. You say they should be amended appropriately, whereas PSAC has suggested that the limit should go up to $10,000. Did you have any figure in mind that you think would be suitable for employees?