As Ms. Beckton was just saying, we must always evaluate our successes and learn our lessons, according to the number of projects and the results obtained with funds granted by the government to help the groups.
Right from the outset, let me tell you one thing: the first observation I can make is the fact that we received a record number of applications this year for projects presented by women's groups. I think that this tells us a great deal about the method that was adopted to help more women's groups with their applications. I am especially thinking of the updates to the website.
In fact, we must make sure that women's groups understand how they can fill out their application with the help of Service Canada, with its nearly 500 outlets in Canada. They offer access to women's groups who want to fill out their applications. The first immediate, concrete result of the change in direction of Status of Women Canada was a record number, a large number of applications for funds made by women's advocacy groups.