I call the meeting to order.
Good morning, everyone. Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted by the committee on Tuesday, September 18, 2018, the committee is resuming its study of supporting families after the loss of a child. Today the committee will hear from department officials.
With us from the Department of Employment and Social Development are Michael MacPhee, director general, employment insurance program and services oversight, transformation and integrated service management branch, and Rutha Astravas, director, special benefits, employment insurance policy, skills and employment branch.
As well, from Statistics Canada, we have Ron Gravel, acting director of the health statistics division, and Valérie Gaston, the chief of vital statistics, health statistics division.
Welcome, and thank you to all for being here this morning on this wonderful fall weather day.
We'll begin with opening remarks.
Michael or Rutha, the next seven minutes are all yours.