The decision by the previous government to unilaterally eliminate the sick leave provisions without any negotiations with the public service unions, taking that completely off the bargaining table where it really belongs, was done for one reason and one reason only, and that was to book $900 million in illusory savings to contribute to an illusory surplus on the eve of an election. It was irresponsible to do that because, of course, subsequently there was a court challenge. I don't think it's good practice to book savings in a budget when the matter is being challenged in the courts. It was not dissimilar to the decision to eliminate 700 pay advisers to save $70 million a year, which helped enfeeble the pay system.
We've sat down with the public sector unions, with whom we've negotiated in good faith. As a government, we have a a strong interest in strengthening our overall wellness plan for the public service. The current system, for instance, doesn't treat particularly well young public servants who may only have been in the public service for a short period of time and may develop a very serious illness. If you've been in the public service a long time, the sick leave provisions are quite comprehensive, but for newer public servants, the provisions don't necessarily recognize those who encounter serious or chronic illness. As a result, we've been looking at and developing a whole new centre for diversity, inclusion, and wellness within the public service that would help develop a more modern approach to wellness in the public service writ large. We're doing this in negotiations with the unions. We will, I believe, develop an approach that will be very fair to taxpayers, citizen, and public servants at the same time. It's very important to realize that public servants are citizens and taxpayers as well, which is why when we demonstrate respect for them, it's in no way inconsistent with doing what is right for taxpayers. In fact, I would argue that a well-functioning public service is achieved through a respectful relationship with its employer, the Government of Canada.