We have already started seeing savings in the budget on members' travel expenses. This item appears in a statutory appropriation because it is something allocated to members by legislation.
Last year, while the House of Commons was sitting, there were savings of approximately $3.6 million for travel expenses under the statutory appropriation. This was a combination of two things: first, the flight passes; and, second, the fact that members travelled a little less. An election was held last year, and that had an impact on budgets.
We note that the same trend has continued this year. When we examine the statutory appropriation for travel expenses, we also see savings this year. This is mainly due to the fact that members are using their flight passes approximately 20% of the time. As you know, they will be mandatory for everyone starting in April 1, 2013. However, some have already begun to use them, and the savings are considerable.
The objective, if you recall the strategic review, was to save approximately $5 million by using the passes, and we believe we can achieve that.