Thank you so much, Mr. Chair.
I want to thank the Deputy Prime Minister for being here today.
I want to start off with two things.
On the record, Mr. Chair, I also want to say that the Conservatives keep asking our Deputy Prime Minister to attend, but they are not giving her a chance to respond. It's very sad to hear that the Conservatives are afraid to hear the facts directly from the Deputy Prime Minister and are willing to talk over her and interrupt her. I don't know why she would ever accept an invitation from us if this is what's going to happen.
I am also going to say that I am absolutely appalled that there was an accusation about our Prime Minister being a bully to former female members of Parliament. It is an appalling accusation and completely untrue, and that needs to be stated as well.
Perhaps I'll begin, Deputy Prime Minister Freeland, with.... I know there were a number of things that were mentioned by my Conservative colleagues. Is there anything you want to respond to before I actually get into my questions?