In my introductory statement, I will first review economic and monetary developments in 2007, summarise our current assessment of the macroeconomic outlook, and explain our monetary policy decisions and operations. I will then briefly address fiscal policies and structural reforms.
But with so many excellent choices, we took a new approach to involve Canadians directly in the decision-making process. And boy, did Canadians get involved. We received over 26,000 nominations from coast to coast to coast. A great national conversation took place—in schools, in the press, and in social media—about the important contributions so many iconic women have made to our history.