Finance committee  Yes, you're correct.

Finance committee  This amendment falls under the deficit reduction action plan, so this—

Finance committee  No, we weren't.

Finance committee  Well, I don't set the legislative agenda—

Finance committee  —so I wouldn't necessarily be able to....

Finance committee  Yes. Even then, we're an independent tribunal, so we have a different relationship in terms of our legislative mandate. It's a little bit arm's length.

Finance committee  Yes. Within the legislation we are required to have a hearing for these types of cases, and in approximately 50% of the cases the offenders will waive their right to a hearing.

Finance committee  That's right. The board will still retain the discretion to hold a hearing where it feels that it is warranted. There will likely continue to be cases where we'll hold a hearing where board members feel that it's warranted to have a hearing.

Finance committee  Again, it would be very difficult to determine, because each particular case may have different factors associated with it: different criminal record, different sentence length, involvement in programs, etc. It's a little complex to pull the demographics and associate—

Finance committee  That's why the board will still have the authority and the discretion to conduct a hearing. It just won't be required by law in these particular cases.

Finance committee  Our department was required to reduce our budget by 9.7%. We reviewed a number of areas. Our operations are very prescribed through legislation and regulations, so in terms of our ability to reduce our budget, again, from the analysis that was conducted, one of the options was lo

Finance committee  The board is still looking at the same information that is presented from correctional authorities.

Finance committee  The amendments were reviewed by justice, so it's not necessarily our department, the parole board, that conducts the review. The justice department does review all the amendments to legislation. Again, I would like to emphasize that all the areas in terms of procedural safeguar

Finance committee  I don't necessarily have a legal opinion with me, but I can confirm with the legal counsel that works for the parole board to determine what was available or what was made in writing.

Finance committee  I can ask for that information, yes.