Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I asked that you appear this morning for three reasons in addition to your budgets. I read the documents that the clerk sent us.
I understand that, usually, when there is an offence in the Criminal Code, without exception, it is the provinces that lay the charges. The federal government lays charges for certain acts, when there has been a violation of the regulations. In your documents, you give the example of natural resources, fisheries, the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and criminal offences. In some provinces where the RCMP has responsibility, the federal government may lay charges.
I'm trying to understand why it is desirable to have a Director of Public Prosecutions and a specialized service and how that will change things. According to the minister's explanation, some $100 million is being taken from the department's budget in order to set up a separate service. I even learned that a letter had been sent to the party leaders asking them to delegate someone to select the new Director of Public Prosecutions. I would like you to explain to us why it is desirable to create such a branch and have a director. How will that change the way things operate and how we administer justice in the area of federal government prosecution?