Public Safety committee  Perhaps, first, as a general observation, the federal government only provides assistance in actual events when we're requested to do so. It does start, as you say, at the local level, and it works up to the provincial level. If there's an identified need from the province, a req

Public Safety committee  You'd be most welcome, Mr. Chair.

Public Safety committee  May I add just a couple of comments, Mr. Chair? With respect to the United States, I should mention that we have a liaison officer posted down in the Department of Homeland Security in Washington. That has proven to be a very beneficial and productive arrangement for us, and I t

Public Safety committee  I have to say I'm not, but I just a heard a yes from Mr. Lesser.

Public Safety committee  One of the things that legislation does, that we articulate, is provide the framework for the federal government to get its house in order, so to speak, with a clear lead role for the Minister of Public Safety, with clear responsibilities for other federal ministers. Building on

Public Safety committee  I think Mr. Lesser is better placed to speak to that.

Public Safety committee  Also, some changes from the EPA are included. For example, the requirement that there be an order in council with respect to financial assistance before financial assistance could be provided won't be there anymore, so it will facilitate quicker, more expeditious treatment of pro

Public Safety committee  Certainly.

Public Safety committee  I would say not in a direct way, but by doing what Ms. Wong described, which is setting out the framework and the authorities for our minister to take a lead role and to coordinate and to work with the jurisdictions, the downstream effect I think can be more effective support to

Public Safety committee  Perhaps Ms. Thiessen could address that in terms of our regional work.

Public Safety committee  I'll perhaps ask Ms. Wong to speak to that in just a moment, but generally speaking, it's confirming existing practices. Having said that, there are some important additions. It reflects the need for a solid framework to proceed, a framework that we don't have legislatively, in p

Public Safety committee  Of our branch?

Public Safety committee  Yes, we do.

Public Safety committee  I certainly could.

Public Safety committee  We could certainly put some material together to assist the committee, Mr. Chair, if it would be of assistance.