Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
In his report on the supplementary estimates (B), the Parliamentary Budget Officer stated:
Spending on professional and special services continues to increase, despite recent higher lapse rates.... Inclusive of Supplementary Estimates (B), 2023-24, total proposed authorities for professional and special services are at a record $21.6 billion. This amount will likely increase with additional spending requests in the next Supplementary Estimates.
I know we had this conversation with the minister just prior to this part of the meeting, but I'm wondering if you can advise me what directives you have received from the minister on decreasing outsourcing.