Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I wish to thank the four of you for this extremely interesting presentation, especially for me, because I have a private member's bill aimed at episodic illness and at offering to people suffering from this problem the possibility of accessing various benefits. I focussed mainly on employment insurance, but you have mentioned other benefits that I will be wanting to look at.
I would like to begin by saying that this is the first time that I have heard talk of this. I would perhaps be interested in meeting with you, in exchanging documents, in order that I might incorporate into what I have in mind the element that you have targeted in this debate, at the very least, and perhaps even the categories of persons who would be affected by this bill, if ever it found its way to the House of Commons. This is obviously something that is very dear to my heart.
You talked about a project, Mr. Kirby. I am presuming that it is a pilot project. I would like to know more about it. In other words, I would like you to keep me abreast of what you are doing in this area so that I might, in due time, integrate it into my work and do something more serious with it given that it would apply to a much broader clientele. I believe this is important.
What you have also clearly done is try to remove other taboos in our society, and we are very greatful to you for that.
I would like to hear your thoughts regarding two aspects. I know that the clock is ticking. First of all, you mentioned in passing that the government of Quebec is not a partner in this project. I would like you to offer us not recommendations but rather suggestions in order for us to get the provincial government to come on board, despite the respect I have for provincial and federal jurisdictions.
Secondly, I would like to talk to you about women and recent immigrants. You discussed the homeless and those suffering from mental illness. I would have liked to hear you speak in general terms about the issue of women and recent immigrants, and I would like you to tell us how you view the cultural issue, especially with regard to recent immigrants, because in certain communities, this is very highly charged matter and people's reaction is to keep the person suffering from a mental illness completely hidden away.
I will stop there because I really want to hear your response.