Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to take part in the debate on the bill dealing with government organization.
Most of you know that this bill introduces the amendments announced in the second phase of the agency review, which deal primarily with governor in council appointments to government agencies and boards, and with the salaries paid to appointees.
These amendments will create a more effective and efficient system, streamline activities and increase accountability. This omnibus bill stems from the government's commitment to streamline its administration, to ensure that the existence of federal organizations other than the departments is still justified, and that their activities, structures and resources remain appropriate.
In other words, as was pointed out earlier, these measures reflect the commitment made by the state to provide Canadians with a good government. In my opinion, the large support enjoyed by this bill shows how important it is to amend relevant legislative provisions.
Let us take a look at its impact. The bill abolishes seven organizations which, after an in-depth review and consultation, were deemed no longer justified, while restructuring 13 others. In total, 271 positions filled by governor in council appointments will be eliminated which, contrary to what the hon. member who just spoke said, will result in savings of close to $3 billion. These savings are in addition to the ones that will result from Bill C-65 and the administrative measures taken following the two phases of the agency review. In total, Canadian taxpayers will save at least $10 million, thanks to these initiatives.
Just as important is the fact that the bill standardizes the appointment criteria for six organizations, as well as the level of accountability.
Allow me to turn now to the specific effects within the solicitor general's ministry. The legislation proposed by this bill will affect three specific areas, the National Parole Board, the external review committee of the RCMP, and the RCMP public complaints commission.
The National Parole Board, as members know, is a significant component of our Canadian criminal justice system. It is responsible for making decisions about the timing and conditions of release in a manner that contributes to the long term protection of society.
Experience has shown that gradual controlled re-entry of offenders into the community works well for the majority of offenders. In addition, conditional release minimizes the cost of the criminal justice system as the approximate costs of incarceration are in excess of $46,000 compared to the costs of supervision in the community of approximately $9,000.
The second organization that will be affected by this proposal is the RCMP external review committee. This is a quasi-judicial body which reviews appeals of formal discipline, appeals of discharge or demotion and certain types of grievances involving regular and civilian members of the RCMP.
The committee has over the last three years undertaken several initiatives which have resulted in a significant downsizing. This restructuring, in addition to the measures now being proposed, should further streamline the committee's organization.
As for the RCMP's public complaints commission, this was created in 1986 to review complaints from the public concerning the conduct of members of the RCMP in the performance of their duties.
The commission must ensure that individual members of the public have their complaints dealt with in a fair and impartial manner, and that the RCMP members against whom allegations are made are treated with fairness and objectivity. The legislation that is now before us will put into place needed reforms to make each of these three agencies more flexible and effective.
I would like to remind my colleagues of the important changes which are being proposed. In addition, in relationship to the National Parole Board, the Corrections and Conditional Release Act will be amended to remove the ceiling on the number of National Parole Board members so the government can appoint more full time members instead of part time members. The result in this change will be an overall reduction in the number of individuals appointed as board members, resulting once again in cost and efficiency savings.
In addition, the quality of decision making will be enhanced as board members will have more opportunities to use their experience, knowledge, skills and training.
In addition, the Corrections and Conditional Release Act will be amended so that board members will hold office for a maximum of five rather than ten years, as is now the case, and may be re-appointed for a further five years. This amendment will bring the board into line with other agencies and boards and will allow it to renew the mandate of experienced and competent full-time board members.
Given the importance of decision making and of the fundamental principle according to which the protection of society is the determining criterion in all cases, the act will drop any reference to an office of the board, giving the National Parole Board greater flexibility concerning the composition of such an office and its functions.
With respect to the RCMP external review committee, the position of vice-chairman has been dropped and the size of the committee reduced from five to three members. The proposed amendments were considered very carefully and will allow the committee to continue to carry out its mandate satisfactorily.
Similar changes were made to the RCMP public complaints commission. In the bill, the position of vice-chairman has been dropped and the number of members reduced from 29 to 15. This will not in any way, however, hamper the commission's effective-
ness. Instead, these amendments will improve management of the agency and resolve the issue of accountability.
I would like to point out that the present government promised Canadians that it would reorganize government agencies and boards so that they could operate as effectively and efficiently as possible. These initiatives, which are part of our promise to manage the public's money better will mean that government commissions, agencies and advisory boards have the resources necessary to operate properly.
This bill is another of the key elements this government is using to try to improve the integrity of institutions and to increase accountability to all Canadians.
As you know, the department of the solicitor general is also prepared to do its part and is looking for more efficient and effective methods of operation. In order to achieve this, it is reducing the size of certain agencies and rationalizing activities so as to better respond to the challenges it must now face and to provide better service and be better prepared for the pressures to come in the years ahead.
The solicitor general is pleased to contribute to the reform of legislative provisions regarding governor in council appointments to government agencies, commissions, and advisory boards as well as the remuneration of such persons.
I am certain that all members recognize the importance of the changes proposed in the government organization bill. In conclusion, I hope that we will be able to count on the support of all members in the House to pass this bill as quickly as possible.