Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Good morning, Minister. It's great for you to be here with us today.
Good morning to all of my colleagues around the table.
I'll say just a few words at the start here about what we've all been through, all of us from all parties, over the last couple of years. Obviously we're in unprecedented times. We know, as the minister just said, that omicron is upon us and it's a game-changer with regard to what we're dealing with for the future. I'm very proud of my government. I'm very proud of all MPs across all party lines and how we have collaborated over the last two years. We've delivered programs. I'm proud of what we've done. No one knew in March 2020 what we'd be faced with, and whether it was the CERB, CEBA, the wage subsidy, rent support, business loans or what have you, we were there as a government for Canadians. We were there to support Canadians.
Certainly one thing that was missing—it's bothered me really for over a year now—is that I would have people coming into my constituency office and they were sick. They had to make a decision between going to work sick or staying home and not being able to feed their family, pay their mortgages or what have you. The fact that we're coming forward with Bill C-3 and the fact that it's going to give people who are sick the opportunity to be home, get better and not spread COVID, or what have you, around the workplace is profoundly important.
Minister, thank you, and I apologize for yesterday. I know there were some delays. I know your time is precious.
My first question to you, Minister, is this. From your side and the department's side, can you describe the necessity of paid sick leave and how you've come to where we are right now?