Yes, I am concerned about the growing use of consultants to do core functions of government, such as policy advisory work and, in particular, any application of policy. That belongs in the hands of the public service. Other countries, such as Australia and New Zealand, have embarked on programs to reduce their reliance on outside firms for core governing purposes.
I think the secrecy and confidentiality that surround contracting out the delivery of public services make it very difficult for parliamentarians and the public at large to know whether they are getting value for taxpayers' dollars. That's why I'm proposing that the knowledge and information derived from the contracting process be subject to the scope of the Access to Information Act. It's not a panacea, but it might help. I also think there need to be more opportunities for parliamentarians to see documents that are not totally redacted. I think we can trust parliamentarians to be more responsible in their behaviour.