I call the meeting to order.
The clerk has advised me that nobody requires sound testing because all the witnesses are with us in the room. As well, all committee members are appearing in person.
Welcome to meeting number 123 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, but everybody is appearing in the room.
I would like to advise committee members as well as witnesses on a couple of points.
Please follow the instructions on keeping your earpiece away from the mic when it's plugged in and you're not using it. If it's not plugged in, it's fine. This can create popping, which can damage the hearing of the translators. As well, please refrain from tapping the boom of the mic. Again, it can cause popping on the sound system, which is harmful to the translators.
You can choose the official language of your choice. In the room, interpretation services are available through your earpiece. For those appearing virtually, click on the globe icon at the bottom of your surface. If there is an interruption in translation services, please get my attention. We'll suspend while it is being corrected.
For those in the room, please wait until I call you by name before you speak. If you need to get my attention, raise your hand and I will recognize you. Wait until I recognize you.
Today, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted by the committee on Monday, February 26, 2024, the committee commences its study of compensation disparities between unionized and non-unionized workers in Canada.
In this hour, we have two witnesses from Statistics Canada: Isabelle Marchand, director of the centre for labour market information, and Josée Bégin, assistant chief statistician, social, health and labour statistics field.
Welcome. I believe both of you are giving an opening statement of up to five—
No, it's just one. Whoever is giving the opening statement, you have the floor for five minutes.