Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, prior to this session, the Minister responsible for fire management took the responsibility to ensure he terminated the manager of air operations, Mr. Rick Pederson. This position was responsible for the air attack officers, better known as Bird Dog officers.

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, in speaking to Mr. Pederson, he advised me that only yesterday he received his lay-off notice. Up until then, he was at home not knowing whether he was laid off, fired or his position deemed redundant. Mr. Pederson was given verbal notification on May 9th. Yesterday being June 14th, he was advised officially of his employment status with this government.

Mr. Speaker, first of all, I find it shameful that our own act we passed in this House, this government, up until yesterday, I believe, ignored. Mr. Speaker, today I will be tabling a letter which was sent to me on May 29th, and I quote from one paragraph in the letter:

"Rick Pederson is no longer with the fire management program. His services are not required. The decision to proceed without Mr. Pederson was made since I took responsibility for this program."

The letter was signed by Mr. Morin.