Mr. Chair, we are aware of the recommendation of the correctional investigator with respect to giving line authority to the deputy commissioner for aboriginal women. This question has been examined on several occasions and it is our view that the functional role played by the deputy commissioner for women at the national level is the right and effective way.
The deputy commissioners of our five regions have direct accountability and responsibility for providing correctional programs and services to women offenders. The functional role that we have is a very strong one, in charge of the establishment of policy. We have recently—and I would pass this over to Madame Elizabeth Van Allen—established a clear definition of roles and responsibilities between the deputy commissioner and the deputy commissioner for women. We remain convinced that the right way to go is not to give direct responsibility of line authority to this position but to work collaboratively with all the partners in the regions to make sure that effective corrections are delivered.