My question concerns the May 2008 Report of the Auditor General, specifically the fees charged by selected departments and agencies, as detailed in chapters I and II. Mention is made of fees charged, of disputes and of settlements registered further to court orders. Several departments that collect user fees are named, including Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Citizenship and Immigration, Industry Canada, Parks Canada, Fisheries and Oceans and Health Canada. A growing number of users are going to court to challenge the validity of the fees charged. I know of one class action suit that has been filed against Passport Canada, as well as another against Citizenship and Immigration Canada.
On reading the testimony presented, I have noted some things about the way in which various departments measure their operating costs or the cost of calculating these fees. From a revenue standpoint, the fees charged by Citizenship and Immigration Canada generate several million dollars in revenue. This year, I believe revenues are up by $100 million. While fees are collected up front, the public will not be receiving any services during the current year. At Citizenship and Immigration Canada, there is currently a two-year backlog in the processing of applications for citizenship cards. Having served on various committees for four years, I know that this is a significant backlog and that the situation will only get worse.
Are you concerned at all about this situation?