Thank you very much.
I want to be completely open and say that this is not a part of Global Affairs I know as well. I think you are absolutely right to begin by applauding those on the ground.
What I will say in response is that there was a tendency, in the 1990s and 2000s, to think of crises as things that happen periodically. We'll have a crisis, and then we'll be able to go back to normal. I think recent history is showing us that we are now in a situation of permanent turbulence, so there needs to be a capacity in Global Affairs....
I found it very interesting that, in the report, they talk about a standing geopolitical crisis task force within Global Affairs that could bring people together, from across not only government but also local staff, in particular crisis situations, quickly and efficiently, to address those situations you speak of where our staff will be required on the ground to protect Canadians. I think this is the way we need to be able to reimagine those capacities.
Our presence is so important here in order to foresee some of those crises that may develop. We need to remember that a diplomatic presence is not only for crisis response but also for prevention so when that crisis comes, you have the knowledge to be able to protect Canadians in a much more effective way.
I hope those comments are partly helpful with the concern you have.