I have a hard time believing this popped out to the complete surprise of the Prime Minsiter's Office, given the way this administration likes to control information. Also, I imagine the committee involved is tasked with undertaking major cost cuts as Harper tries to eliminate the deficit by 2015. So they send the bureaucrats off to cut the costs, and when they cut the costs, the Conservatives act all horrified. So, overall, not really buying the "blame the bureaucracy" business. The Ministers in charge of their various departments need to take responsbility--"the buck stops here" and all that. Of course, I'm a bureaucrat, so I'm probably biased in my assessment.
I got back from Kabul not too long ago (and yes, I got danger pay). I'd say Kabul is getting more dangerous these days. As the various nations involved in US/NATO mission pull out, the Taliban and other insurgent groups are moving in. Also there's a lot more "green on blue" attacks where Afghan soldiers and police who are supposed to be on our side turn their guns on us. Makes it a bit dicier to move around now. It is still safer than being outside the wire in Kandahar though.