Government Operations committee  Thank you. I'll answer you directly, referring to our paper that you have. As you said, it's very limited. Also, to answer Monsieur Ménard, one of the recommendations addresses exactly what is contained in Bill C-18, which is changes to the definition.

Government Operations committee  Yes. I pay particular attention to proposed section 31.1, and I'll take it step by step. Recommendation one on that section is already under scrutiny for your review. We understand it's a new one, and all we're asking you is to add some portion to section 31.1 as it's written, or

Government Operations committee  That's exactly what we wrote in it: “apply also to RCMP members in respect of service spent as cadets”.

Government Operations committee  Did you understand what I said earlier, though? Because there are some changes that took place years ago that now are being addressed by the bill. They were also made in that. To us, it seems that now is the time to do it and give them two or three years to rectify it.

Government Operations committee  That's part of my portion, yes.

Government Operations committee  Well, as I stated, I also represent the other two associations, which are in Ontario and B.C.

Government Operations committee  Just for the record, I think I'll restate what I said at the outset. I'm also a staff relations representative. I'm an elected member. I've been the most senior elected SRR, and as such right now, I'm the--

Government Operations committee  For the province of Quebec, for C Division.

Government Operations committee  I am also representing members of our association.

Government Operations committee  The association is a non-profit organization that was formed in order to have the right to negotiate collectively with the employer.

Government Operations committee  Solely members of the RCMP. And as I explained, we have regular members, civilian members, and we also represent some retirees.

Government Operations committee  I said that in the presentation. You don't have to take my word, but it's written in there. Right now we have close to 1,500 or 1,600 regular members. I must admit to you, though, that since the decision our number is growing, because now it's no longer an impediment to be--

Government Operations committee  --identified as a member of the association. Before, it was prohibited. Now, because of the decision, it's no longer prohibited.

Government Operations committee  Clauses that are mandatory with respect to everything, the dispute, the point, the changes that have been submitted. They could be amended to make the act easier.

Government Operations committee  I have to admit I haven't taken a close look at that, but I will and I will be able to tell you where it should be placed. In our view, it will be part of the clause that concerns the administration.