Thank you, Mr. Chairman. In fact, Mr. Chairman, we allow the boards to retain all their surpluses at this particular juncture. There are no reductions in the surpluses. The problem that we've had in some cases is there has been overutilization of the resources to the point where they've overexpended and created positions for which they are now liable; in other words, permanent positions. That has caused some of the problems we're encountering right now. There are more people hired than really should be, based on the normal formula. We do not restrict the ability of the boards to hire additional staff on a term basis but that has not been happening in some situations. In fact, what has been happening is they have been hiring permanent positions and we have the responsibility and liability.

Mr. Chairman, we've also sent direction that there is a need to establish recovery plans for all boards who are in a deficit position and we have, as a department, been working with them. We believe it's their responsibility to manage the resources that they receive and, therefore, they should be responsible for a recovery plan. The problem with that is sometimes all schools suffer in the process but it's a necessary evil, as part of the responsibility you assume for managing money.

One other point, Mr. Chairman, is there was a concern about the liability for long-term staff but we pick up, as a government, those liabilities and costs, full costs.