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2.1.4 Of particular concern to management is the increased demand for services in recent years, as more and more countries are opening offices in Canada or increasing their staff complement. As a consequence, the delivery of timely services has become more difficult, although the Division receives few complaints because it has succeeded in meeting demands by using both term positions and contractors. The lack of continuity due to term positions and contracts is an issue for the Division. Three additional resources are needed in XDC, specifically one AS-03 for Accreditations, a second RCMP officer, and one CR-05 to assist with cases of debts. This is to cost a total of approximately $185,000 annually. This need is based on historical trends, statistics and work plans which reflect what the activities are and should be to fulfill the mandate. In a memorandum to MKM dated August 1, 2001, the Chief of Protocol clearly indicated that should incremental resources not be made available, some activities offered by XDC (for example, the Diplomatic Forum, the Northern Tour, or certain elements of outreach) would have to be curtailed or even eliminated altogether. The Audit Team agrees with the need for the three additional positions for XDC to fulfill its mandate as it currently exists.
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