Government Operations committee  It's a formula base.

Government Operations committee  Yes.

Government Operations committee  It's based on the amount of money that was available to distribute to departments. We got $99,000. We're spending more than that on pay-related issues.

Government Operations committee  We did hire one senior person. That's roughly the salary for a senior person.

Government Operations committee  Yes.

Government Operations committee  For the Public Service Commission, I believe I had 813 in my notes.

Government Operations committee  At this point, we're not on that system, but we're getting ready. Again, we have two people who were in Miramichi earlier this week as part of the preliminary work to get ready to be on a pay pod arrangement. We're hoping to be on it by next May. In the meantime, we continue to try to resolve the issues as best we can with the resources that are available to us.

Government Operations committee  I'll ask Ms. Jacobs to answer on our behalf.

Government Operations committee  You said B-base and C-base. I'm not sure I follow. We have our main estimates—

Government Operations committee  Okay.

Government Operations committee  A-base is generally recognized as the budget that normally, on a year-to-year basis, doesn't change. This is subject to parliamentary approval, of course, as main estimates always are. B-base budgets are recognized as those items that are approved for a very specific purpose. It could be a strategy or a new program, but it's a one-time item that's going to last two years, and I think that's when—

Government Operations committee  That's up to the manager to decide. If you want to take a risk, if you have money that's only available for one or two years.... The best way to get the resources you need is to offer indeterminate employment, but you know that you'll be able to redeploy those people to other positions elsewhere.

Government Operations committee  I don't think that's necessary. I think managers should have the flexibility. In cases where there may be a reduction in budget, then of course the priority system is also there to backstop the government and departments. We manage the priority system, so on behalf of the government, we would then look at employees who are displaced and find ways to redeploy them to other positions through the priority system.

Government Operations committee  Yes.

Government Operations committee  Yes. Once we hire and select individuals, when it comes to orienting them into the public service and then accompanying them throughout their careers at various stages, I think the school plays an extremely important role with what their learning requirements may be. We have always worked closely with the school, and we will continue to do so.