Mr. Speaker, grants and contributions is an important part of Canadian social programs and the government takes their administration very seriously.
First, I want to clear the air that we did not lose $1 billion. We did not lose control of $1 billion. An internal audit identified administrative problems and that is why HRDC has taken steps outlined in an action plan to correct the problems.
As the hon. member knows perfectly well, this issue has been examined in great detail over the past months and continues to be looked at in great detail.
The Standing Committee on Human Resources Development, on which that member sits, tabled its final report on June 1. If one reads the report it is clear that it fully addresses the fundamental issues at hand, namely, the need to restore public confidence and the need to improve the management and administration of those programs.
The government is committed to reviewing the committee's recommendations in detail and to respond fully, as it does with any other committee report.
The auditor general, an independent officer of this House, is already auditing HRDC's grants and contributions and will report in the fall.
The Minister of Human Resources Development has received the best outside advice possible to assist her in correcting the situation, from private sector experts, from the auditor general himself and from the treasury board. Progress on correcting the situation will be reported on publicly.
We believe these steps will ensure that we correct the situation in an open manner so that Canadians can be assured that their tax dollars are properly accounted for.