My group is responsible for the evaluation of drugs and medical devices. Recently, we changed the cost recovery regime, which is the regime that really allows the manufacturers to provide money for our services in reviewing and evaluating new products. That was very helpful in allowing us to get new resources. We're now able to meet our targets and our timelines for all of our product lines, with the exception of generic drugs, on which we're working very hard to continue to make progress.
In terms of the budget reductions, we were able, to a large extent, to protect our scientific resources. We feel they're essential and provide a real high-priority service for Canadians, and so we're fortunate to be able to protect those.
We did not escape untouched, and we do have some areas where we've made some changes. One example would be the consolidation of three groups, all of which were responsible basically for setting up meetings with external stakeholders. We were able to consolidate them into one area. That's an example of an initiative we've been able to undertake to save a few dollars. Similarly, across our branch, we looked at resources around internal communications. We've done some streamlining in that area. Also on the policy side, we've been able to identify a way of doing business that's slightly different and allows us to make some savings in that area.
I think we need to always stay relevant to the needs of Canadians and the needs of the health system, and as the world changes around us, we need to change as well. As a Canadian, I expect that from my government, and I expect that from my group as well.