Mr. Speaker, the Auditor General must audit the books of some 70 departments, 40 crown corporations, 10 department corporations, and 60 other entities, with new duties added every year. Additional duties require more money beyond just an annual appropriation, money that is currently granted by government rather than an independent Parliament.
Does the government not see the potential for a loss of independence when the Auditor General must go cap in hand to the Treasury Board?