Thank you, Mr. Chair.
As I indicated in my opening remarks, there are three points I think I would emphasize.
First of all, any decision to create a board of management for an institution of the magnitude and importance of the RCMP cannot be made easily or lightly. There has to be a very significant amount of study in terms of all of the implications.
Related to that, as you alluded to, there have been many other developments affecting the RCMP, including a bill that's now before the House on a new labour relations regime. We are in active discussions that I'm leading with the provinces and territories on contract negotiations. Included in that are their views on greater involvement in the management and the execution of those contracts for police services. There was recently a departmental audit committee set up for the RCMP that is also playing a role.
Part of it is looking at the universe of changes that are in play and ultimately assessing--it won't be my decision but the government's decision, ultimately assessing--what additional value a board might bring.