The argument that's coming up very often today is on being independent. I see that as only part of the issue. I guess it's the function that really comes into play, and that is the real argument.
When I think of an auditor, I think of someone who performs a perspective on historic operations, and I don't think there's any argument on that. When I think of an advocate or a commissioner, I think of someone who looks to the future or helps us plan for the future and build a vision.
Years ago I used to teach finance at a community college, and one of the things we looked at is when you're driving down the road you have a windshield in front of you and that's where you're going; that's where you want to go. The auditor's position is very important. We have a wonderful Auditor General, but that's the rear-view mirror. You cannot go forward by concentrating on the rear-view mirror. That's a very important part. You have to know what was behind you and what you went by.
So my question is, can you comment on and differentiate between the role of an auditor and that of an advocate or a commissioner? If we were to leave the commissioner's position in the Auditor General's office, how would that influence their work, and how would that limit them or how would that free them?