On this line of questioning, Mr. Chair, I am looking at part of the Financial Administration Act I believe under FMBS's authority here regarding budget adjustments and transfers. This is a guideline or a set of rules that was created in November 2003, not that long ago. Copies are being produced and will be circulated shortly, Mr. Chair.
Ms. Lee pointed out a requirement on item 5.4 d) that says, "When a department makes any adjustment to a capital project that significantly affects the scope...$100,000 or 20 percent...the responsible Minister will advise the appropriate MLA or Standing Committee."
Mr. Chair, I'm going to also refer to an earlier section on that under these guidelines, section 5.4, Consultation guidelines for Infrastructure Project Budget Adjustments. "The guidelines represent recommendations with regards to consultation for infrastructure investment budget adjustments. However, departments are expected to exercise sound judgment" -- sound judgment, Mr. Chairman -- "in reporting and consulting on any adjustments, including those that are below the recommended thresholds in the guidelines noted below, especially if the adjustment is of significance to a community." These are FMBS's own rules. Why weren't they followed in this instance? Mr. Chairman, from this point on we're going to go into the specifics of this particular item, which appears later in the budget. I am prepared to go to detail now, but the Minister is going to have to have a pretty good explanation for the need to let go of what I believe is absolutely straightforward, a very clear rule in his own policy manual. Thank you.
