Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I will answer the many aspects of this question.
First, I do not have any information with me concerning the business volume on the federal government's request for proposals system. I therefore cannot answer the question, unfortunately. However, I can make a clarification.
It often happens that at the start of the year, when we get our information technology budgets, the money is spent on the first stages of a project. Therefore, it is not abnormal that some departments, like Public Works and Government Services Canada, have a small surplus at the beginning of the fiscal year. I think it is a sign of good management to begin a project early on, so that it can be finished on time and as authorized by the management team.
Another aspect deals with the smart management of information technology investment. Yes, it is true that, given the current financial constraints faced by every department, it is not business as usual. Because of the way governance operates at Public Works and Government Services Canada, we agree with the Auditor General that we need to review our priorities and spend money on priority projects, and to keep in mind the issue of whole-of-government governance. We have already done this. As a result, we want to keep on investing in our priority systems. We do not want government employees to miss a single paycheque, which is important for a motivated and functioning public service. Further, it is important for future pensioners to receive their benefits. As you know, we are investing in these systems to modernize them, since we do not want to reach a point of crisis.