Thank you very much, Madam Chair.
We’ve been holding meetings on this bill for some time now, and we’ve been hearing some very emotional testimony.
In your case, you’re also sharing your experiences as a researcher and as someone who supports parents. This is another important and interesting perspective in our consideration of the bill.
I will address you first, Ms. deMontigny.
Naturally, this bill, which is essential and desired, will require royal assent. Unfortunately, it comes down to a financial issue. We will need to convince the government to grant royal assent.
You spoke at length about the impact of failing to act on this bill. In your presentation, you discussed the negative consequences of presenteeism—that is, when a person is at work but not productive. You also spoke about injuries. You gave examples. It’s true that we’re in the dark. In your examples, you mentioned a ladder breaking and a red light being run, but there are other consequences—both physical and psychological—that will have a financial impact.
I’d like to hear you drive home the message that, even financially, this bill is not an expense but rather an investment. Ultimately, collectively, it will cost us far less to take action. We often forget this, but, in the end, prevention is less expensive than intervention.