Yes, please.
I would like to ask a question on a topic I know has already been raised. I think our colleague, Mr. Wallace, referred to this briefly earlier.
Regarding the main estimates, in his report, the Parliamentary Budget Officer pointed out that the greatest percentage increase in your department was for the Treasury Board Secretariat, for employee benefits. There was a 217% increase. I believe this is for a reserve fund that is being constituted in order to be able to pay out entitlements on cessation of service or employment.
The main estimates show that there is a $100-million increase in vote 30 related to compensation. That is not a petty sum. The increase is mostly due to an increase in the number of separation payments and other benefits in connection with the departure or retirement of public servants.
So this has been announced. We see that there will be massive layoffs, and attrition. There are going to be cuts in the public service. In light of these two elements combined, i.e. the 217% increase in the Treasury Board Secretariat budget and this increase of $100 million, can we determine how many full-time employees will be receiving separation pay?