Thank you very much, Chairperson.
First of all, thank you so much to the witnesses today, and to Mr. Regan for bringing the bill forward. I feel that we've learned a geat deal already, just in the course of half an hour, about epilepsy. I think one of the things that the witnesses have shown us today is the importance of language, in that language itself can be very stigmatizing. If any of us makes a mistake today with language, I'm sure it will be out of lack of knowledge rather than intention, but as you've said, I think that's very much one of the issues around awareness. Making people understand about the way they speak about an issue is really important.
I have two questions. I'm very interested in knowing about people living with epilepsy, particularly in the work environment. Nobody really touched on that. What is the response of employers? What is the work environment like for people living with epilepsy?
We could even begin with our own jurisdiction, the federal government.
Mr. Regan, I don't know whether you've had any opportunity to find out the situation in the various departments of the federal government. We are an employment equity employer. We have a duty to accommodate in the workplace. These are all things that are enshrined in law, but as we know, often translating those commitments into daily practice and awareness and understanding is not so easy.
I'd be very interested if any of the witnesses could talk a little bit about what the workplace is like for people living with epilepsy, what kinds of issues they face there, and whether you have any good models to show us. Do you know of employers that have taken on this issue? You've talked about schools, which I think is wonderful, but can you offer anything about workplaces?
Then, if we have time, I'd be fascinated to know about the medical side and whether research is currently under way in terms of treatment, medication, and so on.