Denis Blanchette at the Government Operations and Estimates Committee

Good afternoon, Mr. Minister.

We see in the estimates that funds have been allocated for retirement allowances for employees. You announced that this would be done mostly by attrition—and you chose your words carefully.

Here is what I would like to find out from you. What are your goals for cutting full-time jobs in the public service? What is the rate at which jobs in the public service will be replaced? Also, if it is being done mostly by attrition, could you tell me about the rest? How do you want to do that?