Public Accounts committee  Mainly from among assistant deputy ministers in the Public Service. There are also exceptional cases where people are recruited from other levels of government, from the private sector or from the volunteer sector.

Public Accounts committee  It is the advice of the Privy Council Office—from the public servants in the Privy Council Office. The point I want to make essentially is that you have all sorts of circumstances calling for a need to make a change in the deputy minister ranks. There was one example given about the inability of the deputy and the minister to function together effectively.

Public Accounts committee  Well, it's not an attempt to avoid accountability. As Mr. Wouters mentioned earlier, there is work being done at ensuring accountability and ensuring that framework is there for deputy ministers.

Public Accounts committee  The minister's input into the overall evaluation of a deputy minister is one input among many. Ultimately the Clerk of the Privy Council advises the Prime Minister on the assessment of the deputies and will convey the views of the minister but will also comment on whether that's justified in the circumstances, whether that's a fair assessment.

Public Accounts committee  Establishing a fixed term, let's say a minimum of three years, takes away from the Prime Minister—and from the clerk in advising the Prime Minister—an important aspect of managing that deputy minister community.

Public Accounts committee  There's a working relationship that has to be effective in order for the government's policies to be able to move forward. What Mr. Wouters was mentioning was that the deputy could be a very able and seasoned deputy, and the minister could be a very able and experienced minister, but they just can't work together.

Public Accounts committee  Yes, I have a very short opening remark. I'm sure there's interest in being able to canvass the questions the members will have. Good afternoon. I'm pleased to be here today to talk about performance management for deputy ministers, as well as their tenure. Before going on to your questions, I'll just take a few moments to give a broad overview of these two matters.