Thank you very much, Chair.
Thank you very much, Minister and officials, for being here.
I have five minutes now to finally put this whole cost thing to bed so that we don't have to talk about it anymore. I have some very pointed questions for you.
First of all, let me say why I'm concerned about cost. We've heard with earlier witnesses, from the government members, and from you here today that you're clearly all on the same softball team. The manager has said, “Whatever you say, it doesn't matter what you say, but don't say that it's going to cost us more money.” That's the impression I have, so that's why I'm concerned about the cost.
The reality of the numbers is that from the last estimates we are seeing a reduction in the RCMP budget, about $58 million. I think the RCMP has said that in 2013-14 they estimate saving $89.1 million. I see money going down, and I know that's part of what the government's looking at.
I assume also, Assistant Commissioner, that your money is kept in envelopes, or most of it, but perhaps you can beg, borrow, and steal from other programs to make it work. The question is, will the witness protection program be protected from cuts?