I see my role as providing independent, non-partisan advice, and in the context of providing independent advice, at times this may mean there will be a strong challenge function on certain issues. At times, as well, it could be quite complementary with respect to what the government is putting forward.
In the context of the latter, when one looks at Canada's fiscal situation and compares it with what's going on south of the border or in European countries that are generating large deficits as a percentage of the size of their economies, one could argue that Canada has done some extraordinary things over the past ten years or so with respect to its fiscal situation. I hope the parliamentary budget officer can contribute to that sound fiscal record over the next number of years. So I think independence means to be able to look at the situation in a truly independent way and to highlight both the good and sometimes areas that need to be strengthened.
In terms of costing, I know the costing of private members' bills is a big issue, a big concern for the Department of Finance. I think just working in a minority government is new for this country to some degree and these private members' bills have taken on new significance in the context of fiscal planning at the Department of Finance. I think costing earlier in the process and costing that not necessarily looks at the point of estimates, but explains some of the range that some of these bills might produce, depending on if there's different take-up or not, will also help increase an understanding around some of these issues and help improve the whole parliamentary private members' bills process.
So I'm hoping we can play that kind of role as well.