Thank you very much for your question.
As you just mentioned, the 2010 Auditor General's report had two aspects. One of the elements was the governance, the other was the work done by Public Worlds and Government Services Canada. In terms of the work done by Public Works and Government Services Canada, I remind you that no recommendations were made. There were congratulations on the various methods that we had put in place to control costs, on the lessons we have learned, and on the management of the buildings and the environment.
In terms of the governance, Public Works and Government Services Canada took action following the report. We acknowledged the report's recommendation on governance, and we looked at other types of governance in other countries. We went to England and Australia to see them. We even checked with governments like those in Ontario and Quebec to find out about systems in place there. In some cases, they had systems like here, with a senate and an elected chamber. In other places, there was only one chamber.
We examined those reports thoroughly. The part of the work that was supposed to be done by Public Works and Government Services Canada was done. Now we have to sit down with representatives of the Senate and the House of Commons to determine the next steps in the examination of the governance.
Having said that, Mr. Chair, I must add that the current relationship between the House of Commons, Public Works and Government Services Canada, the Library of Parliament and the Senate is excellent, which was not always the case. In the past, perhaps there were differences, likely because of different objectives. But today everyone understands that the global financial situation is difficult.
I can tell you that, over the last two years, the relationship has improved a great deal, as I told you earlier. Management systems have been put into place. We now have joint committees of the House of Commons, Public Works and Government Services Canada and the Senate. Projects are developed and then sent to review committees. Some projects go before the Board of Internal Economy or the Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration depending on whether the projects are for the House of Commons or the Senate. On our side, we look for the normal approvals from the House of Commons, from the Treasury Board and from various offices. In a word, the current situation is going very well.
The issues we faced, say, two, three or five years ago have disappeared now. When issues arise now, basically, the clerks of each of the two chambers and I sit down and solve the problems. We find solutions. We are always looking for savings.