Thank you, Chair, and thank you, Minister.
There are four things I want to bring up.
First, you have officials with you, and we don't get to thank them often enough. To the associate deputy minister and the assistant deputy ministers, thank you for the work you do, and thank you to those people behind you and around you who support Canada and the world.
The second thing is just following up on the last question on the freedom of religion or belief. I know we've had some really profound officials working for you, Minister, who are raising those issues. Canada's responses are always coordinated with those of other countries, and that's often through officials, so again to the officials, thanks for that work.
The third point is the consular area. It's not my area of responsibility, but I'll ask about it.
We've had expenditure review. Obviously, every department is facing cutbacks. When most Canadians, average Canadians, interface with Global Affairs, it's because they're travelling in the world, and they're concerned. Can you assure Canadians that consular services will be maintained and that Canadians can travel the world knowing that if they lose their passports, if they need to get a prescription filled, if they end up in jail or if they are the victim of arbitrary detention, this government will have the resources to support them?