Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Minister, it's a pleasure to have you.
This last week, I understand, the C.D. Howe Institute came out with a report in which it gave great explanation as to why it felt the government would be on track to meet its targets. It also gave some ideas or suggestions as to how the process could be expedited to balance the budget. So we have yet another well-respected voice in Canada, an institution that we often make reference to, that is agreeing that the numbers are in fact in place, that the numbers are working, and that the plan is doable and can be reached.
What is interesting, in addition, when we're talking about numbers, is.... I don't want to demonize the PBO either, but I just did some quick calculations, and my estimate is that there are approximately 280,000 civil servants, not including department of defence civil servants. If there were only 1,100 people leaving the civil service, that would be an exceptional retention rate, especially as we know that the demographics within the civil service indicate that there are many people who are ready to retire—I believe the number is closer to 12%—and who could be prepared to retire in the next number of years.
So I think all members of Parliament should be aware immediately that the number 1,100 is not realistic, that it isn't in congruence with any type of reality. While I appreciate that members opposite are claiming that this is a vilification, it's clearly just not believable that there would only be 1,100 people who would be leaving the civil service.