Thank you. I will try to answer your questions. First, I would like to point out that the Public Service Commission is not responsible for deputy ministers. We are responsible for the positions of all other public servants, that is, those of assistant deputy ministers on down. However, I find that the request to specify the level of bilingualism of deputy ministers to be a good idea.
According to our current approach, by law, the definition of merit and the essential requirements associated with a position include the level of bilingualism. To obtain a position, public servants must meet the essential requirements of this position under the act, and that includes the level of bilingualism. The determination of the level required is the responsibility of the public servants. A manager determines whether a position requires a level A, B or C in French or English. That makes it an essential requirement of the position, and that requirement must be met.
You asked me whether the requirements in terms of bilingualism had changed. They were increased for senior managers under a government policy. Level CBC is required for all assistant deputy ministers, directors general and anyone higher than a director general in the bilingual regions. In addition, the Commissioner of Official Languages performs follow-up of service delivery in both languages. I think that things have improved there as well. Lastly, we are closely monitoring the use of exemptions in instances of non-imperative staffing, given that this is subject to the act and to PSC exclusions.