Thank you for agreeing to hear us, Mr. Chair.
I represent the Association féminine d'éducation et d'action sociale, or Afeas, an organization that was founded in 1966 and represents 10,000 Quebec women who work as volunteer members of 250 local groups in 11 regions of Quebec.
Afeas's mission is to advocate women's rights and to work to improve society as a whole, and we do so through education and concerted social action. Our values are peace, equality, equity, justice, respect and solidarity.
Afeas is a field organization. Its democratic structure encourages its members to express their views on social issues and their organization's strategic direction. A large percentage of our members are over 45 years of age and live outside the major centres.
Afeas has been working in all sectors of Quebec and Canadian society for 45 years. By its presence and realistic actions, it has established its credibility as a partner with the community's decision-making bodies and organizations.
I will now hand the floor over to Ms. Madeleine Bourget, our provincial vice-president, who is responsible for this file. She will present the brief she has prepared.