Mr. Chairman, the committee reviewed the proposed changes to the staff housing policy with the Minister in some depth and made some recommendations at the time to improve implementation. We would like to re-affirm the committee's support for the government getting out of staff housing. As a result of expressing our comments and concerns to the Minister, he has made the program more flexible and acceptable to the affected staff.
The program revision was not well received because of a lack of consultation and information. The Department of Personnel has to recognize that they have a responsibility to treat government employees with consideration. It would be a shame to lose good people due to the mishandling of an otherwise good policy. We have already dealt with the motion, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Chairman, I will conclude. In light of continuing concerns and questions from the employees about the methods by which the new policy will be implemented, the committee further recommends that the implementation plan for the new staff housing policy be amongst the first orders of business for thorough discussion in committee of the whole. That concludes the presentation from the Standing Committee on Finance. Mahsi.