To conclude, I think there are a couple of points I'd like to highlight.
I've already mentioned this, but I will again. Some of these changes that are being contemplated are of significance, so do keep that in mind when you're forming your recommendations.
The other one I would like to touch on is the reporting burden. When I speak to departmental chief financial officers and their staff, one of the things that frequently gets raised is the reporting burden they face in terms of producing information. If they are producing or we are having them produce information that is not useful to this committee, please tell us, as part of your reports. We are happy to look at stopping some reporting as well.
The one I would highlight in particular is that departments have been producing future-oriented financial statements or forecasted financial statements on an accrual basis for about two years now. They do one for the statement of revenues and expenses, and they also do one for the balance sheets.
I have yet to see a question asked on any of those documents. They are produced online. They are an awful lot of work for departments. It does improve the link between accrual and cash.
I would highlight in particular the balance sheet. In my opinion, it is of no utility whatsoever to forecast a balance sheet on an accrual basis.
So if, as part of your study, there are things that you do come across that you're finding are not useful, please let us know. If it's only being produced for Parliament, we'll look at stopping that production.
With that, we're happy to take your questions.
Thank you, Chair.