Thank you for being here.
I have in front of me the Information Commissioner of Canada's report entitled Out of Time: 2008-2009 Report Cards and Systemic Issues Affecting Access to Information in Canada.
I am going to start on page 33 of the English version. Here is what it says:
The Department is responsible for Canada’s foreign policy and all matters relating to Canada’s external affairs.... The Department’s specific areas of responsibility include international peace and security, global trade and commerce, diplomatic and consular relations, administration of the Foreign Service and Canada’s missions abroad, and development of international law and its application to Canada.
Given that list of specific responsibilities and the sensitive relationships they imply, can you describe the specific access to information challenges in your department that other departments have to a lesser degree, if at all?