Mr. Speaker, the loss of this information by the department was totally unacceptable. Let us be very clear about that. That is why we took steps to inform the Privacy Commissioner of Canada and to bring in the RCMP. Fortunately, so far there does not appear to be any evidence that the information has been used fraudulently.
However, I have instructed a complete overhaul of security systems and processes in the department and we have engaged Equifax on a long-term contract to help protect the credit of the individuals affected.