Ms. Bourgeois, that is an excellent question. I will ask my colleague Donald to answer that.
But I have to point out that the freeze applies to operating budgets. Furthermore, this is a peak retirement period. We have a high rate of employee turnover, and we have to meet public service renewal requirements. In addition, we are constantly being asked to carry out functions that are increasingly complex.
To me, it is very important that all these positions be staffed through our processes and not other means, except for short terms.
Can I really explain all this? It is not easy.
Donald.