Mr. Speaker, they will be especially proud to hear this applause. I will go on.
A general directive must be preceded by a consultation with the director of public prosecutions. The Attorney General may, after consulting the director of public prosecutions, assume conduct of the prosecution. This is also done through a transparent process in which the Attorney General must publish a notice of intent to assume conduct of a prosecution in the Canada Gazette.
As far as obtaining comments from other individuals in the exercise of his or her power to issue directives or assume conduct of a prosecution under the Director of Public Prosecutions Act, it is appropriate for the Attorney General to consult his or her cabinet colleagues before exercising these powers. These consultations are often important, because they help the Attorney General understand points of view that are not limited to a specific case. However, the final decision to issue directives or assume conduct of a prosecution is up to the Attorney General. In any case, it is important that the Attorney General be able to consult his or her cabinet colleagues on matters related to prosecution, but that he or she not receive instructions on criminal matters from cabinet colleagues or anyone else.
The Supreme Court found that, in the course of his or her duties, the Attorney General acts in the public interest and is protected from the influence of political and other undue aggravating factors by the principle of independence. From the beginning, the Prime Minister has clearly stated that he and his staff always acted appropriately and professionally. As the Prime Minister said, we completely disagree with the former attorney general's characterization of events.
Our government will always focus on jobs, growing the middle class and strengthening our economy. That is an important aspect of this discussion, because we, on this side of the House, will always stand up for Canadian workers and job creation. That is what we are accomplishing with the agenda we have put in place. Over 800,000 jobs have been created over the past three years, and the unemployment rate is the lowest it has been in 40 years. In my riding, over 221 jobs have been created, which has created an important economic dynamic. We are very proud of that. Our objective has always been to defend jobs.
Obviously, the possible loss of 9,000 jobs in communities across Canada has come up in today's discussion, and it is the Prime Minister's job to always stand up for the interests of Canadian workers.
From the beginning, the Prime Minister has clearly stated that he and his staff always acted appropriately and professionally. As the Prime Minister said, we disagree with the former attorney general's characterization of events.