Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Indeed it is a very regrettable situation for the employees of NAS as well as the board of directors who now may find themselves in the position of being liable for these costs.

However, the department did try to provide advice to the NAS board with respect to their responsibilities to their employees, and had even advised at one time the board should get insurance in the eventuality of something like this happening. The board declined to do so. We find ourselves in a difficult situation. It is an awkward thing to expect the board of directors to be liable for this. However, they continued to employ people after contracts had expired. It is not possible for the government to come in at this time and respond to those shortfalls. Thank you.