Public Accounts committee  We, as providers, have other life insurance companies who actually subcontract our work. So providing this service to Great-West Life I wouldn't say is an everyday occurrence. It has happened in the past with other insurers. In fact in our pension administration contract with the RCMP, we subcontract part of that to another company as well.

Public Accounts committee  We were not aware that this was a circumvention per se. We knew that there were people on the RCMP side who dealt with contracting and who were looking into this. So when we were asked by the RCMP to subcontract with Great-West Life, we provided that service, based on their request, as we would provide a service to any other client.

Public Accounts committee  Yes, I believe it was.

Public Accounts committee  Offhand, I don't know exactly how many partners there were in 2001. I could get that information for you.

Public Accounts committee  Sure.

Public Accounts committee  No, I do not think so.

Public Accounts committee  First of all, the costs that were in the Auditor General's reports were not our fees; they were our fees plus other costs.

Public Accounts committee  I can only speak to our fees per se. I cannot speak to the other internal costs that the RCMP decided to take on that we were not aware of. Our fees did increase, and as I said before, they're all public within Public Works. The main reasons were either change in scope.... Mr.

Public Accounts committee  Mr. Chair, I am honoured to appear before the committee on behalf of Morneau Sobeco.

Public Accounts committee  I am currently a principal with the company. I will address that. I am honoured to appear before the committee on behalf of Morneau Sobeco as the committee continues its study related to the administration of the RCMP pension and insurance plans. First, allow me to provide the committee with some brief background information about Morneau Sobeco and my tenure at the company.

Public Accounts committee  I'd like to attest. I, Francine Pell, do solemnly, sincerely, and truly affirm and declare the taking of any oath is according to my religious belief unlawful. I do also solemnly, sincerely, and truly affirm and declare that the evidence I shall give on this examination shall be the truth, the whole, and nothing but the truth.