Thank you very much, Madam Chair.
I'd like to say at the outset, if I may, that I think Canada is honoured to have the amazing staff that serves this country. I want to give great kudos to the public service of Canada, and obviously to all of you with your responsibility. I think that needs to be said from this side, because too often the direction and the sense in what we hear involves a lot more negatives than positives. I can tell you, even from the standpoint of a member of Parliament, whereby at a constituent level I hear concerns from time to time at various levels, I hear a lot of positive things as well. I'd just like to share that with you and pass it forward to you.
Let me ask, Madam Meredith, when you were first appointed to your role.