I find it difficult to understand the extent of your powers. I feel that I have before me—and I mean no offence—an ombudsman who has been told to deal only with small ordinary contracts and not with anything beyond a certain limit, because this category requires full powers. Besides, your budget comes from PWGSC.
On page 4 of your presentation, it says:
During consultations on the development of the regulations, we were advised by government officials that our mandate does not extend to the procurement of accommodations through leasing, lease-purchase or outright purchase.
This is important. Last year, we discussed lease assignments and leasing. These things are costly to taxpayers. We realize that the leasing will be more expensive for Treasury Board and for taxpayers than the cost of keeping our own buildings. Nonetheless, you do not have a mandate to look into that! This is really somewhat peculiar.
You say that you will try... In fact, on page 5 of your statement, it says, and I quote:
Ultimately, this means we have to gain the confidence and trust of both the supplier community and public servants involved in the procurement process.
This is not a joke! You have more or less power and you will try to gain their confidence. It might also be good to gain the confidence of parliamentarians.
I simply want a clear definition of your role. If your role is of no use, I want to hear it stated. If that is the case, perhaps the parliamentarians could eventually broaden your role.