Mr. Roy Gray (Director, Indian Moneys, Estates and Treaty Annuities, Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development) at the Indigenous and Northern Affairs Committee

Mr. Chair, I think what is being referred to is the ratio of non-departmental administrators of estates versus departmental administrators. The department's policy is, and has been for some time, to try to encourage family members of deceased individuals to take over the administration of their estates. However, there are circumstances that arise where there may not be somebody available, or there are family members who are just not prepared to come forward and take over the responsibilities.

On average, about 20% of the estate administration files are handled by departmental employees. The majority are handled by family members, and that is the thrust: to try to encourage family members to take over.