Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I believe that is the same letter that the Member provided to myself and the Department of Justice, one which I have passed on to the chief superintendent of the RCMP. As I understand it, the RCMP is drafting together a response, but as we have been discussing the last few days, the RCMP is not immune to the shortage of funds that all government agencies have been experiencing over the past few years. I understand that although there have been no visible or net cuts to the budget, there have been no increases either. Therefore, the amount of forced-growth in the RCMP expenses, such things as benefits, travel and other expenses, have continued to increase while the budget has stayed the same. Therefore, you have the effect of the RCMP having to cut back services in some areas. Having said that, we have been discussing other options such as a
Community Constable Program. I am looking forward to the response from the RCMP, which I will pass on to the Member. Thank you.