We've been talking a lot about staffing today, but I'd like to take the opportunity to talk about some data in the report of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. It talks about a phantom public service. I'd like to point out to what extent, despite the government's austerity measures or maybe even because of them, instances of contracting work out have not only increased in the past few years, but they have really exploded. Between 2005-2006 and today, the use of various consultants, temp services and management consultants has increased by 80%. It's in excess of $5.5 billion in taxpayers' money. We're talking about a 100% increase over the past few years in four main services or departments.
In your opinion, should we, and the government, look at the issue of outsourcing? Is this a way of providing Canadians with the best services at the best cost? I'd also like to know whether you are concerned about the increasing use of subcontracting, in the sense that it makes it possible to circumvent all the rules of the hiring process and the rules of the Public Service Commission of Canada. In fact, these private companies aren't subject to the same bilingualism, hiring or staffing requirements. We are troubled by the massive use of outsourcing, particularly at Public Works, when we are being told to be careful with taxpayers' money.
What do you think about this explosion in outsourcing? Are you not concerned about it as a way to get around the rules of the federal public service?