I'll take a stab at it without trying to cross an inappropriate line.
I think Environment Canada has many experts in the domains in which we need to carry out effective environmental policy. I bring a particular skill set. I think it's a relatively broader skill set than perhaps you're thinking when characterizing me as an economist. Through my work career in the civil service I've been exposed to a vast number of policy files. And I think I'm capable of bringing a broad perspective to issues put in front of me, listening to the views of others, and consolidating advice. That's my perspective on it. Maybe I'm biased, but that's what I think.
In terms of setting up a department as an advocate or as an internalizer of issues, obviously the Minister of the Environment and Environment Canada have roles to play in terms of setting environmental policy for Canada. Clearly, as I mentioned earlier, in setting those policies we need to take into account the perspectives of other departments, whether it's our colleagues at Natural Resources, the Department of Finance, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, or what have you.