Thank you again, Ms. Malcolmson, for that insight.
This amendment deals with the purpose clause. The purpose clause only sets out the objectives of the legislation and does not create the legally binding rights or obligations set forth within the legislation. The actual substantive rights flow from the actual provisions of the statute. Thus, as I said in my earlier comments, the reference to the diverse needs of employers does not create a loophole for employers.
I just want to make sure that I explain myself clearly, because this is important legislation. I completely agree with you. I have two daughters at home. My wife is a full-time mother but is also full-time in the labour force. Actually, I think she's more than a full-time mother, because I find myself here all the time.
With that, this legislation is very important for me and for our government. Obviously, it's the first time it's been introduced, although it was talked about for many decades. We need to be proud of it. As I said, the purpose clause only sets out the objectives of the legislation and does not create legally binding rights or obligations. These flow from the actual provisions of the statute. Thus, those four words—“diverse needs of employers”—do not create any sort of loophole for employers.
Thank you.