I would not want to diminish the Department of Finance's role, but I do think it is mainly responsible for the budget process. That is where the department has some influence. We are not responsible for the machinery of government outside the budget process. When we receive submissions, we insist that there be a gender-based analysis. This analysis is part of our activities, but beyond that, we get into an area beyond the jurisdiction of the Department of Finance. The Department of Finance is important, but it is not all-powerful. We are really involved in the budget process. Consequently, it is difficult for us to respond to this.
On March 11th, 2008. See this statement in context.