Thank you very much, Chair.
Thank you, Ms. Vien, for being here today.
I do want to make a note off the top. I found that last question about accountability from the NDP quite comical. Several times in this committee, we Conservatives have moved amendments to government legislation—one that comes to mind is the $10-a-day day care, which they voted against—so I would take that for what it is from the NDP.
All employees deserve respect and assurance of safety within their workplaces. I want to thank you for taking the time and doing the work to advance this important piece of legislation, which empowers workers and advocates on behalf of those who have experienced workplace harassment or violence.
As has been discussed, Bill C-378 proposes to extend the current three-month deadline for former employees to file a harassment complaint to a full two years. Under the current framework, while the extension is possible, the burden of proof rests on the victim to demonstrate why they were unable to meet the original deadline, requiring them to prove that their circumstances made it difficult or impossible to file a complaint within that initial time frame.
Can you please comment on why it is inappropriate to put that burden on the victim from that workplace?