Mr. Chairman, I was not going to press this issue, but there was a policy before somewhat in
regard to relocation expenses. I think that entire personnel policy is in the Department of Personnel. If Ministers move to Yellowknife, are moved back, or are replaced, they are moved by the government. That is Personnel's standard policy which applies to even employees who quit with terms of service.
However, there has never been a policy that I am aware of, of a severance package prior to four months ago. If a Minister quit, was fired or removed, there was never a severance package in that form. There may have been pay in regard to annual leave that was not used, but not in the form of a severance package. Why are these guidelines coming into effect if a Minister chooses to quit being a Cabinet Minister? I can see it if a Minister is removed or fired, because you come to a point where you have sudden departure, but if a Minister, on his or her own accord, decides to quit Cabinet, why is a severance package granted? Thank you.