I'd like to start by highlighting the fact that Monday's apology by the Prime Minister of Japan was not an official apology, in many eyes, as it did not acknowledge the government's responsibility for the use of comfort women at the time. What we're looking for in this motion is for the Government of Japan to accept full responsibility for the crimes against comfort women; provide full reparations for survivors in accordance with international standards; and provide direct compensation to the comfort women or their immediate relatives. This came about because people across this country have approached our caucus--Chinese, South Korean, and Filipino--who were greatly affected by this heinous set of events that took place. I think it's very important.
I would touch on one thing. There was a compensation fund called the Asian Women's Fund. It was put together by business and private individuals. Many women did not know about it; others missed the deadline; others did take some of this money but on the condition that it didn't affect their access to reparations from the government.
We find this a very significant issue that we believe should be addressed. The motion, of course, would go to the full committee.