You talk about being influential, but the fact remains that several Status of Women Canada offices, including regional offices, have been closed. Once these offices close, doesn't Status of Women Canada become somewhat disconnected from what is going on in the regions? It must be quite risky, when you close an office, be cause you may no longer have your finger on the pulse of Canada's regions, and of shrinking Status of Women Canada's coverage. In what way are you influential now? How do you get feedback about what's going on in the regions so that you can both develop policies or a strategy, while at the same time being sure that they'll really address the needs and problems faced by women, and particularly those who live in the regions?
On April 29th, 2008. See this statement in context.