Thank you.
We are well aware of what you expect from government representatives in those countries: a more constant presence and better support for businesses. We seem to be failing you on that score. The government is thinking of closing some Canadian consulates: in Milan, in Italy, in St. Petersburg, Russia, as well in Fukoka and in Osaka, Japan. Since the trend is to close down consulates, there will not be as great a Canadian presence in various other countries.
You have a certain awareness about that part of the world and you hope to see a government or even a political representation there. That is not what is happening elsewhere. If you have a message for our friends across the table, you can tell them, today. It's important. If consulates are closed down in some countries, it is perhaps because they want to put government money to better use elsewhere. From what we can see, it does not seem to apply to that part of the world. Do you think it would be the best place for the government to invest and establish a presence?