Good morning, everyone. I'd like to call the meeting to order.
I have a couple of preliminary comments.
First, we're pleased to see both ministers appearing here this morning with respect to Bill C-44.
On the bill itself, we'll have witnesses called, and of course we'll have technical issues when we deal with the clause-by-clause. The bill provides for an amendment to the Canada Labour Code to provide an employee with the right to take leave when the child of the employee is critically ill, or dies, or disappears as a probable result of a crime. It also makes some technical amendments to the act.
The bill also amends the Employment Insurance Act to provide benefits to claimants who are providing care or support to their critically ill child and to facilitate access to sickness benefits for claimants who are in receipt of parental benefits. There are then amendments to the Income Tax Act and the income tax regulations.
We'll be hearing this morning from both ministers with respect to the bill. There will be opening statements from the ministers, and then we'll have alternating questions from each of the parties.
Having said that, I'll invite Honourable Minister Diane Finley to commence with her opening statement.