Yes, because people can be mobile but also partisan. Earlier we talked about communications, but people could be chosen for their allegiance, for services rendered during an election campaign or whatever. When you're elected, you can say that you need these people, and have them come in without taking into account established procedure. Is it normal to proceed this way? Is it normal for a deputy minister or a minister to go hand-pick anyone in the public service, even if the people don't have the required skills to fill the position they want to establish?
On November 19th, 2007. See this statement in context.