Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
I would like to thank our witnesses today for answering our questions.
It is deplorable that it has been nearly a year since the Minister of Finance appeared before the committee. Last time he was here was on May 15, 2012, discussing Bill C-38. That is really deplorable. That was an omnibus bill and now we are faced with another omnibus bill. It is not as broad, but it is still headed in the same unfortunate direction that the government has taken.
Let me repeat. I would have liked to see the Minister of Finance or at least the Minister of State for Finance here with us because, after all, those individuals are accountable to Canadians.
For your part, you must account for the more technical aspects. You clearly cannot be accountable for the government's motivations. That is completely normal.
First, could you tell me what kind of latitude you have to discuss the figures in the main estimates? Ultimately, how much can you disclose?