I apologize for my tardiness. You know I like to be on time. I especially want to thank you all for being here and punctual.
Welcome to the 40th meeting of the Standing Committee on the Status of Women, in which we will be examining promising practices to prevent violence against women. It will soon be December 6. It is now December 4, so this is perfectly appropriate.
Today, we welcome Ms. Martin, who is the executive director of the Canadian Network of Women's Shelters and Transition Houses.
We also welcome from Ernestine's Women's Shelter, Sharlene Tygesen, executive director; and from Armagh House, Madam Lynn Ward, who is also executive director. Thank you and welcome.
I will let you each make your presentation of 10 minutes, followed by a question period.
Let us start with you, Ms. Martin. You have 10 minutes.