As stated, I did phone the president and was asking where the direction came from, recognizing that she does have the authority to direct the council and to direct the staffing, as the speaker for the whole board. Where did the direction come from? That is something that they are looking at.
I did take note that the MLA did state within her opening statement that it is arm's length, and it needs to be arm's length. Our act says that they can advise the Minister on issues, and I can refer them back to the council for consideration. It says that they can provide assistance to the Minister in promoting change to ensure the attainment of equality of women. That's what it states. I can give some support to them. I can ask them to help me. I can ask them to look into things, but at no time do I see in this act that I can tell them, "This is what you do in your day-to-day in operations." In fact, there are "mays" in this act that say they may do other things.
The Status of Women Council needs to have autonomy so that they can decide what they are doing best with the resources that they have. I can give suggestions, but I will not direct them. They need to be able to do what they want to do. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.