I call the meeting to order. Welcome to meeting number 12 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities.
Today's meeting is taking place in a hybrid format, pursuant to the House order of November 25, 2021. Members will be attending in person in the room and virtually. Those attending virtually have the option of using the “raise hand” function to notify me. Members in the room should simply indicate by raising your hand.
Those attending in person must follow the pandemic protocols that are in place, and changing on a weekly basis. I expect those members to do that. As the chair, I will enforce these measures for the duration of the meeting, and I thank members in advance for their co-operation.
To ensure an orderly meeting, I would like to outline a few rules to follow. Members and witnesses may speak in the official language of their choice. Interpretation services are available for this meeting. You have the choice at the bottom of your screen of floor, English or French. If interpretation is lost, please inform me immediately, and we will ensure interpretation is properly restored before resuming the proceedings.
The “raise hand” function is at the bottom of your screen. For members participating in the room, please keep in mind you should raise your hand to get my attention. Before speaking, please wait for me to recognize you by name. Those in the room, your microphone will be controlled as normal by the proceedings and verification officer. When speaking, please speak slowly and clearly. When not speaking, your mike should be on mute. A reminder that all comments should be addressed through the chair. With regard to the speaking list, I have a speaking list that's been provided, and we will follow the speaking order.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), and the motion adopted by the committee on Thursday, February 3, 2022, the committee will commence its study of labour shortages, working conditions and the care economy.
I would like to welcome our witnesses to begin our discussion with five minutes of opening remarks followed by questions.
From the Department of Employment and Social Development, we have Karen Hall, acting associate deputy minister, strategic and service policy branch; Rachel Wernick, senior assistant deputy minister, skills and employment branch; Philippe Massé, director general, labour market information; and Pierre Therrien, director general, economic policy directorate, strategic and service policy.
We will begin with five minutes of opening remarks, and then we will open the floor for questions. This will be a one-hour session.
Ms. Rachel Wernick, you have the floor for five minutes.