Public Accounts committee  Not necessarily, insofar as the challenge function is concerned, because this is a verbal function. Analysts from the Privy Council Office as well as from the Treasury Board Secretariat ask verbal questions and interact verbally with their colleagues from various departments.

Public Accounts committee  In some cases, to reiterate what Ms. Fraser said, analyses have indeed been performed. With respect to the challenge function, discussions have taken place. Perhaps my colleague from the Department of Finance would care to respond.

Public Accounts committee  I will ask my colleague from the Department of Finance to answer that question.

Public Accounts committee  We do not produce a report to assess performance in the area of GBA, but we do have a tool with which to evaluate departmental performance. As part of the process of making management accountable, one section looks at the department's capacity to satisfy optimum conditions for TB submissions.

Public Accounts committee  Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you for welcoming me and for pointing out that this is my very first appearance before the committee in my new capacity of Secretary of the Treasury Board. It is a pleasure for me to be here along with my colleagues whom you have already named. Therefore, I will spare you any further introductions.