I'm reminded of some advice that Mr. Mills gave the committee at one point in terms of how parliamentary committees have not traditionally done a good job at getting answers out of the main estimates process. There has been more of a skimming approach. As we do this we should seek to be a bit more surgical about what we're trying to understand and then dive a little more into one or two or three aspects.
I don't know if it was something off the top of Mr. McGuinty's head or something prepared--it doesn't matter--, but he made a list of things that he wants to know about: some of the energy components in particular. I think that's more productive. Maybe we could seek some assistance from the clerk or the Library in terms of preparing some analysis. Frankly, the whole main estimates is a large budgetary item. Oftentimes questions become more vague than specific. If there is something particular we want to know, that is the focus we'll be bringing.
I put that into the mix. As opposed to having a general view of what the department is doing or not doing, let's dive into something in particular. I took that advice from Mr. Mills to be able to actually bring something back to Parliament or the Canadian people and say this is the area of concern or this has to have more done to it.
I'll leave it at that.