Thank you, Mr. Chair. The department does take the Affirmative Action very seriously and does recognize that we do have a dearth of Aboriginal lawyers. Part of that is the reality that we don't have as many Aboriginal lawyers as we would prefer and not enough Aboriginal law students as we might prefer. Certainly, we do apply the Affirmative Action Policy when we are hiring and encourage Aboriginal candidates, where we know of them, to take opportunities to join our public service.

I can certainly say that my experience within the department has been one where it has been welcoming, and I have had, as an Aboriginal person, the benefit of development opportunities being provided as a result of the work that this department does. That is certainly a tradition we want to encourage and continue on. Thank you, Mr. Chair.