Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
I'd like to thank the witnesses for being here today.
Ms. Dion, I worked for the Department of Foreign Affairs for 15 years. I was posted to El Salvador, Argentina and, lastly, Dallas, Texas. I remember the 2010 earthquake in Haiti. I was involved in the aid effort at that time.
Thank you both for your service to our country. I think most Canadians don't recognize the service of people who work for the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development or who have worked for CIDA.
Madam Gualtieri, I'm just looking at this beautiful picture of you as a younger woman. I was once a younger woman myself. You just wonder how you've changed from then until now. I can't imagine the difference between who this person was, so bright and optimistic, looking outward to the world. After what you've been through, most certainly....
Not to excuse the actions of any government, but I will say that at the time when I was consul for Dallas the foreign minister took some very strong decisions to sell our official residence in Dallas—which had an impact on me—as well as properties in Rome, for example. Certainly I know the injustice that you have faced. It is injustice, but there were those who heard your concerns as outlined within the article in terms of the expectations of Canadians serving abroad. Thank you for that.
Now, I will finally get to the questioning, Madam Gualtieri.
How do you think BillC-290 will impact public servants going forward into the future? What positive aspect is there that could have helped you, were it in place?