We would like to draw your attention to two issues that discriminate against women. I would also like to point out that our brief was signed by 17 women's groups. It was coordinated by the Conseil d'intervention pour l'accès des femmes au travail, Quebec's principal organization focusing on problems of women's access to work and on defending women's rights at work.
The first issue is the limit of 50 weeks when special benefits and regular benefits are combined. You should know that a number of cases, at least six, are currently before the Tribunal administratif du travail. I have prepared an in-depth document on that subject, and the committee can consult it if it wishes.
The problem has existed for a long time. A number of cases previously went to court, 20 or 30 years ago. Currently, the limit of 50 weeks affects women predominantly because they apply for the great majority of maternity and parental benefits. If they are unemployed when their leave comes to an end, they are no longer eligible for benefits.