Public Accounts committee  First of all, I have to say that the support we are getting to move forward with the renovations to the West Block is excellent. It truly is. There is much work to be done, of course, but we have received the necessary authorities and appropriations to start the project. That's t

Public Accounts committee  I'll let Mr. Wright answer this question, please.

Public Accounts committee  Yes, senior.

Public Accounts committee  Yes.

Public Accounts committee  Yes, we do. When I joined the department in 2007, the parliamentary precinct used to be under the responsibility of our real property branch, under an ADM. I recognized the importance of having a senior person, full-time, in charge of the precinct. At that time, I deployed Madam

Public Accounts committee  These things could be looked at in the context of the analysis.

Public Accounts committee  Yes, that's the plan. Ultimately, when the Centre Block renovations will be carried out these chambers that are temporary in nature would be reverting back to committee rooms.

Public Accounts committee  I'll ask Mr. Wright to answer this. There may be an issue about sequencing that creates the need for the two chambers.

Public Accounts committee  Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for your question. As far as West Block goes, we are where we are, in the sense that the most important thing is being able to empty West Block and by the end of August relocate everything to La Promenade Building. As I say this, as we speak now, we have

Public Accounts committee  When we receive approval from Treasury Board, we will at that time have the money to proceed with that phase of the West Block.

Public Accounts committee  No. I understand the point, Mr. Chairman. We do what we need to do in Treasury Board submissions. Until Treasury Board ministers approve, I don't have an approval. But we have a program of work to carry through for the West Block plus other repairs in that second phase we're now

Public Accounts committee  I don't control Treasury Board, indeed. But Mr. Wright is also noting here, and I'll let him speak, that we have authority to proceed with demolition and asbestos. I'll let Mr. Wright say a few words on this.

Public Accounts committee  Yes. The answer is threefold. My minister is responsible for carrying out the analysis and developing various options. I am therefore the accounting officer supporting the minister. That line is direct. The senior assistant deputy minister given the responsibility on Friday, Mada

Public Accounts committee  If I may add briefly, Mr. Chairman, in the case of the kitchen, it is interesting to note that when we build a new facility, it's easier to have fewer surprises. It is a new facility with new equipment. So the project management characteristics are a bit easier to handle, if you

Public Accounts committee  I'll let Mr. Wright answer this.