Government Operations Committee on June 12th, 2007

[Diane Bourgeois, Bloc, Terrebonne—Blainville, QC]

Madam Chair, I don't know whether my colleagues on the committee are of the same view, but, in view of the fact that a witness of Ms. MacBride's importance has told us that our deputy ministers and the persons responsible for human resources know what is going to happen, but are telling us that everything is fine and under control, I think we should meet with them and ask them what planning they have developed to address staff problems, including the working climate that will prevail in the next few weeks or years.

Let's not forget that the more employees leave, the more other employees may have to bear the workload of two persons. That troubles me enormously. It's important that we be able to question these people more. It's unthinkable that Ms. Barrados or Ms. Jauvin should not have studies or plans to remedy the situation in the next few years.

[The Chair, Liberal, Diane Marleau]

We could definitely do something. For the moment, Ms. Ouimet is scheduled to appear Thursday. I believe we will be here next Tuesday and Thursday. I think we had planned to hear from people in the pay sector, but it's up to the committee to make the decision.

[Diane Bourgeois, Bloc, Terrebonne—Blainville, QC]

We could take another look at the issue in the fall. I don't want us to stop at this point. What is happening is really very serious.

[The Chair, Liberal, Diane Marleau]

Yes.

[The Chair, Liberal, Diane Marleau]

The situation we are observing in pay is, I think, like a symptom of what will be happening in many other places. It's in pay that this symptom has begun to appear. We don't have all the answers either.

Mr. Simard.

[Raymond Simard, Liberal, Saint Boniface, MB]

Madam Chair. I would prefer that we draft a report with recommendations. We've heard the witnesses; now I think it's up to us to report on things and make our recommendations. If we aren't satisfied with the testimony of Ms. Barrados, we need only say so in the report, but between that and bringing back the witnesses two or three times... There comes a time when things have to come to a conclusion. We've been talking about this for a long time, and I'd like us to table the report as soon as possible.

[The Chair, Liberal, Diane Marleau]

I don't have any objection. We aren't ready to prepare the report. That will definitely go to the fall.

[Diane Bourgeois, Bloc, Terrebonne—Blainville, QC]

However, I'd like you to put your hand on the booklet that the Clerk of the Privy Council, Mr. Himmelfarb, wrote last year. It referred to the public service and its importance.

[The Chair, Liberal, Diane Marleau]

Do you think we could try to find it?

[Guy Beaumier, Committee Researcher]

That was in the context of his duties as Clerk of the Privy Council? Every year, the clerk prepares a report on the state of the public service.

[Diane Bourgeois, Bloc, Terrebonne—Blainville, QC]

Yes, that's what I'm talking about. Since I had put a file together, I may still have that document, which was very well done. I'm going to check.

[The Chair, Liberal, Diane Marleau]

Yes, Mr. Simard?

[Raymond Simard, Liberal, Saint Boniface, MB]

As regards Thursday's witness, have we planned for one or two hours?

[The Chair, Liberal, Diane Marleau]

That's up to the committee to decide.

[Raymond Simard, Liberal, Saint Boniface, MB]

I think one hour would be quite enough.

[The Chair, Liberal, Diane Marleau]

So an hour for Ms. Ouimet?

[Raymond Simard, Liberal, Saint Boniface, MB]

What do you think?

[Diane Bourgeois, Bloc, Terrebonne—Blainville, QC]

Ms. Ouimet holds a very important position. If I understood correctly, it is she who will be the next commissioner. Either way, all harassment cases will go through her. So it's a crucial role.

[The Chair, Liberal, Diane Marleau]

It's also a position that has to be approved in Parliament.

[Raymond Simard, Liberal, Saint Boniface, MB]

I'm ready to submit it to the will of Parliament.

[Diane Bourgeois, Bloc, Terrebonne—Blainville, QC]

We'll take the time it takes.

[The Chair, Liberal, Diane Marleau]

Indeed. So we'll see each other next Thursday at 3:30 p.m.

The meeting is adjourned.