Thank you, Madam Chair.
First, I would like to tell you that I am an MP, a mother of two children, and an entrepreneur. I have two businesses. At present, I look after my 15‑year-old child, since my husband is out of the country while I am here. I am able to travel and I have solutions.
There was mention earlier of the 26‑week parliamentary calendar and questions of accessibility and facilitation. Why should this be a two-tier system? We had a colleague explain to us how she had been reprimanded and criticized because she had her baby with her in her work as an MP.
I am afraid, and I would put the following question to you: if my husband is out of the country, do I have to stay home with my child and fulfil my role as an MP via Zoom, when there are a lot of other options? What message does that send to people about the dual role some people play? Does this mean that we cannot mix our responsibilities to our business with our role as parliamentarians?
On that point, I would like to hear comments from representatives of Equal Voice.