Mr. Speaker, there's very strict criteria that are utilized that would determine whether a department will submit a direct appointment. We can share those criteria with the committee and let them know why we would be supporting or utilizing the direct appointment process, as some of them are for things like interns or where there's been an unsuccessful competition many different times, or when we know that a competition will likely prove unsuccessful. I will share those criteria.

As far as the numbers, Mr. Speaker, I do know that there have been a couple direct appointments during the life of this government, but I couldn't tell you the exact number. I will confer with Cabinet and find out whether or not that is information I can share. I believe we can, but I would like to confer with Cabinet before I release that information to the Members.