Government Operations committee  Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I don't think we are in a position to comment on the actual budget announcement. The partial answer I could give, however, is that with the parameters of increases that have been announced in the recent budget, we were able in the fall to settle some col

Government Operations committee  I would not be in a position to actually talk about the details of the implementation of the announcement, other than to say that the figures have been announced as they are. Until we know what the legislation brings, I am not in a position at this stage to answer this question.

Government Operations committee  There are indeed groups that have settled at a higher rate for those years, yes. That is public knowledge.

Government Operations committee  In 2002 there was a project called universal classification standards, which was dropped. But if I may refresh your memory, at the time that this particular project was terminated, there was a clear indication that there was still a need for some classification reform. A lot of c

Government Operations committee  So it was a combination of both.

Government Operations committee  At this stage, for the other complaints, we haven't determined whether or not we would need the support of outside counsel. There are still internal activities for the management of those complaints, but those are not part of that particular amount.

Government Operations committee  The final settlement, in terms of payouts—

Government Operations committee  —or in terms of cost?

Government Operations committee  In terms of payouts, we have settled for a lump sum amount of $4,000 per employee for members of the groups that have filed complaints.

Government Operations committee  It is approximately $300 million. The population is about 90,000, so you can do the math.

Government Operations committee  It was the forecast expenditure to actually prepare the case from a research standpoint and from a legal counsel standpoint, and also for internal research for things like search for documents and preparation for complaints and litigation.

Government Operations committee  In fact, that question should be put to the Human Resources Management Agency of the Public Service. It's reponsible for demographic planning.

Government Operations committee  If I correctly understand your question, you're talking about the use of personnel agencies.

Government Operations committee  I'm unable to talk to you in a general way about the funding allocated to hire agency staff. However, agency personnel are usually hired directly by the departments to meet ad hoc needs.

Government Operations committee  Even if I remembered the question, I wouldn't be able to answer.