Thank you.
Mr. Guimont, I am pleased to see you again at the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates. We are used to seeing you at the Standing Committee on Public Accounts in connection with the Auditor General's reports.
You are required to answer to us under the federal Accountability Act, which is why it is important for you to be here today. As compared to other government agencies, your department has a large budget, in terms of expenditures. I think you are aware of the complexity and size of your department. The two biggest planned spending increases for Public Works and Government Services Canada come to $357 million. That is a 21% increase in expenditures on accommodation and real property assets management.
First, what interests me in particular is the $69 million increase, a 26% increase, in expenditures on internal services. To date, you have been open in explaining the legal cases involving your department that might have a financial impact on it. There was the Rosdev case, which is not over, I believe; the problems relating to the Integrated Relocation Program; and the disputes concerning various technology contracts. And I have to mention an incident that complicated things, the dismissal of one of your deputy ministers for conflict of interest.
In reply to a question from my colleague, you said: "When we tender, we don't talk to people." At some point, you receive representations. I want to try to understand the role of Cabinet. Has the Minister or have members of Cabinet ever asked you to take direct action against companies doing business with the Department or against employees of Public Works and Government Services Canada who are suspected of fraud?