Thank you, Madam Chair.
I'd like to pursue my question in regard to the cost savings, because of course that is what led to the closing of the regional offices.
We heard testimony from your own staff here in the spring that the regional offices provide an important resource for the ministry; that they dialogue with the local organizations; that they make connections with provincial and territorial counterparts; that they attend interdepartmental committees and provide advice. In fact, in my own riding of London—Fanshawe, I have worked with the London Abused Women's Centre, and they have indicated that the concrete and very important work they did to address violence against women in my community would not have been possible without the work of the regional offices.
So in losing them, we've lost a great deal. How many people in SWC were laid off, and how on earth will you be able to deliver the mandate--equality for women--with the loss of these incredibly creative and dedicated people, some of them with many years of experience?