Thank you, Madam Chair.
Mr. Wild, Ms. Biguzs, thank you for being here today.
I must admit that your statements have confused me somewhat. On the one hand, you underscore the importance of champions in the various departments, and on the other hand, you state that the people who play this key role in your office, Mr. Wild, and in yours, Ms. Biguzs, have left their position over the past few days or months. I find it rather curious that no one has considered drawing up a short list of people qualified to play this role so that there is no gap when these champions are assigned to other positions. If their role is so important, why did no one think to ensure, when the budget was tabled, that the two people most affected by the measures set out therein were replaced when they left their position?
Ms. Biguzs, I realize that you are in this position on an interim basis, but you must also carry out your usual duties. I'm sure that despite all your good will, you cannot play the role of champion, unless you are assigned to that position permanently. I find that rather curious and even ironic.
Mr. Wild, you stated that over the past year, a number of programs have been reviewed, and that this review will take five years in total. To date, it has been shown that programs that have a social impact on women have suffered the most cuts. Why is that the case, given that these programs are supposed to undergo gender-specific analysis?
Ms. Biguzs, can you name a specific program for which you forecast a negative impact for women? Unfortunately, the minister responsible was notified of this and yet still applied the measure proposed. It went through several stages before reaching you and going back to the minister. The various departments and advisors conducted studies, which then went to you. You have given your impression, and yet, these measures are still adopted even though you have determined that there would be a negative impact.
I would like to hear your answers to these questions.