Of course, the Minister of Finance is accountable for the overall level of spending. Our job is to ensure that the government is in a position to achieve its goals at the lowest possible cost, and that it has the information required to consider whether its goals remain relevant within the stated order of priorities. The government decides which results to pursue and at what cost. Our focus is on making the business of government efficient and effective.
On November 2nd, 2006. See this statement in context.