This means that most applications for funding assistance can be approved and processed in the regions. Regional staff are more knowledgeable of the local economic environment and have a better understanding of local aspirations and needs. With these changes, clients can expect a much quicker response to their applications for financial assistance.

The Standing Committee on Finance has expressed some reservations with the decentralization of authority to the regional level. I can assure this House that measures are being taken to give regional staff the tools required to meet the new responsibilities. Person years and associated funding is being transferred to regional offices from headquarters. In addition, training will be provided to the staff to ensure that clients are served in a professional and expert manner.

As the department's new senior management committee includes all regional superintendents, I am confident that the programs and policies will be administered with more consistency across the territories and with greater accountability than has been the case in the past.

In conclusion, Mr. Chairman, we are responding to the directions of this House and to the concerns raised by the business community, and we expect to see further improvements in the coming year. Thank you.