As for the removal of a light switch costing $1,000, this work consisted of removing the switch and the cabling and conduit up to the electrical panel, which was 50 metres away. After removal, the lighting needed to be reconnected to the building lighting system, which was 50 metres in the other direction, with additional conduit and cabling, which again had to be done after hours.
We were responsible for the complete management of these installations. It includes the supervision of work entrusted to over 7,000 pre-qualified subcontractor companies. These subcontractors are, for the most part, small and medium-sized Canadian enterprises.
As contractual commitments under our contracts with Public Works, we apply a third-party certified quality assurance program covering all aspects of our service delivery. We achieved ISO quality management in 1996, and for the Public Works account in 2005. We've renewed that designation ever since.
Our contracts are subject to significant audit scrutiny, both internally and externally. We carry out approximately 400 internal audits annually and we've had about 170 external audits every year by organizations such as Public Works and Audit Services Canada. We note that the minister is requiring additional audits, which are ongoing at present. PricewaterhouseCoopers, as you know, is doing that. We're obviously cooperating with that. It's one more audit firm.
Additionally, as we've been doing on a periodic basis since 2005, we've taken it upon ourselves to further clarify our processes and procedures for all our existing and any potential subcontractors who want to work with us. Recently we've met with a number of construction associations across Canada, including the Ottawa Construction Association here in the national capital region. We'll continue to meet with any of these organizations that want to meet with us. It's in not only our best interest, but theirs also to do that.
In closing, we're pleased to spend time with you and answer any questions you have.