Information & Ethics committee  I'd just like to add that we continue to work to streamline our processes, streamline our work with other departments, and act as advocates to get the information out there and make it an easier process. We will continue to do that.

Information & Ethics committee  I'm following what you're saying completely. In answer to your question, as part of the application process, people have to identify what the purpose is, and when they're granted a crown copyright licence, the purpose is part of that licence. If we find out that they're doing something that's in violation of it—and that sometimes gets reported to us—we will issue a cease and desist.

Information & Ethics committee  The number is extremely small. Our small group does the issuing of the licences and the coordination, but there is a large network out there, because the departments are the authoring organizations. When we find out about something being used inappropriately, it's usually from one of the departments.

Information & Ethics committee  That's correct.

Information & Ethics committee  I can't speak to the political side of things, but a section has been added under the Important Notices area of all government websites. It says, “Information...has been posted with the intent that it be readily available for personal or public non-commercial use and may be reproduced, in part or in whole, and by any means, without charge or further permission, unless otherwise specified”.

Information & Ethics committee  I'll start and then I'll pass it on to my expert over here. The first part is, yes, we do create the pink catalogue. That is us. I know a lot of people are very familiar with it. The big change we were talking about was for non-commercial use. In working with other government departments and the Treasury Board, we're ensuring that if it's a private non-commercial use or a cost recovery use, there's no need whatsoever to seek crown copyright.

Information & Ethics committee  Public works is a large department with many ADMs who are responsible for various elements. Yes, I do hear about various elements at the management table, and I know that Corinne Charette works very closely with Maurice Chénier and with John Rath-Wilson, the assistant deputy ministers responsible for our information technology area.

Information & Ethics committee  I don't know.

Information & Ethics committee  Madame Charette didn't work with us on this, because when it comes to crown copyright, that's not the issue. We work with the communications policy people at Treasury Board to establish the policy; then we administer the policy as set out. In line with what Mr. Caron has just stated, she would be working more closely with the departments that are accountable for that information.

Information & Ethics committee  As I said in my opening comments, we do administer the policy of the Government of Canada. In the way it's administered currently, federal departments have the freedom to make public any of the information they choose, and the rights remain with those departments. In answer to your question, I believe that the information is available.

Information & Ethics committee  Mr. Chairman and members of the committee, thank you for your invitation to address this committee concerning the administration of crown copyright within the federal government and our role in support of open government. My name is Mark Perlman and I'm the acting assistant deputy minister of the consulting, information and shared services branch of Public Works and Government Services Canada.