Good afternoon, everybody.
First of all, happy Halloween. I hope everyone is looking forward to trick-or-treating later. We'll try and get through this as quickly and efficiently as we can so everyone can get home to do that.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted by the committee on Thursday, May 4, 2017, the committee is resuming its study of advancing inclusion and quality of life for Canadian seniors.
Today is the third of three panels that will be held on the subject of inclusion, social determinants of health and well-being.
Thank you, again, to today's witnesses for accommodating the change in the meeting date. We're going to get right into the introductions, and then everyone will have seven minutes for comments.
From Dying Healed, via video conference from Chilliwack, B.C., we have Natalie Sonnen, executive director.
From Seniors First BC, also via video conference, from Vancouver, B.C., we have Mr. Kevin Smith.
Appearing here as an individual, we have Birgit Pianosi, associate professor, gerontology department, Huntington and Laurentian universities. Welcome.
Appearing from the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions is Linda Silas, president. Welcome.
From the National Association of Friendship Centres, also here in Ottawa, we have Vera Pawis Tabobodung and Sonya Howard. Welcome.
As I said, everyone will have seven minutes and, when I make a signal, it means you have one minute. You have lots of time. We usually try to get everyone to stay within seven minutes, and they do a pretty good job of that. However, when you see me make a signal, you'll want to start to wrap it up.
We're going to start with the video conferencing.
Natalie Sonnen, the next seven minutes are yours.