Mr. Chairman, in the statement that refers to the motion, I think there is recognition that for a number of years the department has faced a great deal of scrutiny. Perhaps that's because this particular department is a department that takes care of a lot of sensitive issues that relate to our constituents.
There have been continuing requests for replies to reports of one committee after another, plus the Auditor General, including the Standing Committee on Agencies, Boards and Commissions. There are deadlines for requests for information and requests for responses to recommendations.
The motion suggests that the department should be prepared to attend public hearings to explain its plan and answer questions about departmental responses to committee and Auditor General recommendations. I would like to get clarification on the scope and design of how the department is to take part in these public hearings. Is it the Standing Committee on Finance that is going to be having these public hearings? What is the anticipated time that the department is going to have to spend in these public hearings? I would like clarification. Thank you.