I think at this point budget consultations should be held with as many women's groups as possible and with as many pro-poverty groups as possible as well. We should not focus only on gender, because one of the big interfaces is poverty. I think that any group that feels negatively affected by the way the fiscal functioning in Canada is conducted should be allowed to make submissions. I think constricting and attempting to stage-manage the testimony that ends up in front of the Standing Committee on Finance ensures that the full picture is not going to get out.
On November 28th, 2007. See this statement in context.