Thank you. While it is normal that I introduce the deputy minister first, I want to introduce first the person who has been the most important in the discussions and the development of the strategic plan and the discussion documentation and that is, on my right, Ms. Helen Balanoff. On my left is the deputy Minister, Hal Gerein. I noted, Mr. Chairman, with interest, the comments that have been made by the standing committee about how it sometimes seems that the department is a bit resistant or hesitant to consider change.

I would like to say, Mr. Chairman, that that's not really the case. Those comments are not really reflective of the kinds of changes and kinds of initiatives that have been undertaken by the department during the past year, at least since Minister Allooloo and Minister Arvaluk.