Government Operations committee  Madame, we will do our best to be more specific. One of the challenges we have is that we are also very dependent on many other parties for approvals and so forth, so there's a tendency to be cautious, but we're getting better. If we controlled everything, then we could be much more definite about our commitments, but we try to do our best, yes.

Government Operations committee  There was a national advertisement for candidates and a number of good candidates came forward. Interviews have been conducted by a team that included the Privy Council Office, our office, and the Treasury Board. I believe a selection and offer will be made shortly, and hopefully the candidate will accept.

Government Operations committee  They will question us as to a proper process and do their own due diligence.

Government Operations committee  No, and as a matter of fact, at the meeting of the Treasury Board it will be the Treasury Board Secretariat that will make the recommendation to the ministers based on their own due diligence.

Government Operations committee  That is correct.

Government Operations committee  That is correct.

Government Operations committee  Yes, we do. Our minister has been urging us to increase the involvement of small businesses, and we've been looking at our current pattern. About 85% of all procurements in terms of the number are done with small and medium enterprises. In terms of value, it's about one-third is done, about 35%.

Government Operations committee  No, absolutely not. The minister makes his recommendation based on a detailed recommendation from my office to him.

Government Operations committee  No.

Government Operations committee  That is correct.

Government Operations committee  That is correct.

Government Operations committee  That is correct.

Government Operations committee  No, not at all.

Government Operations committee  Yes. It takes a long time.

Government Operations committee  Just one.