I call this meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number 25 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights. Pursuant to the motion adopted on February 8, the committee is resuming its study on the government's obligations to the victims of crime.
Today's meeting is taking place in a hybrid format pursuant to House Order of November 25, 2021. Members are attending in person in the room and remotely using the Zoom application. The proceedings will be made available via the House of Commons website.
For those on Zoom, you have a choice at the bottom of your screens of either the floor, English or French. For those in the room, you can use the earpiece and select the desired channel.
Before I welcome the witnesses, I want to give my condolences to Ms. Neville-Lake on the understanding of the passing of her husband. On behalf of the entire committee, I want to give my condolences to her. She's not going to be appearing today.
To the witnesses coming forward, I know this is a very sensitive and personal subject for you guys, so take your time on it—although I will ask you to stay within the five-minute parameters. I have little cue cards that I will raise when there are 30 seconds remaining. When your time's up, I would ask you to conclude. Other than that, I don't like interrupting if I don't have to.
In the interest of time, because we've started a little late due to votes and member statements for the opposition House leader, we will do two 45-minute rounds and will try to go to 6. I don't have unanimous consent, but I should have it. I think we're just looking for a filler for somebody, so we should be able to go to that.
Beginning in our first round, we have the Honourable Pierre-Hugues Boisvenu, Senator. Thank you.
We have, from the Families for Justice, Markita Kaulius, president. I think you're online, yes. I believe you're from Surrey, if I'm right. Welcome from my hometown.
We also have Holly Lucier, paralegal, and from the Women's Law Association of Ontario, Jennifer Gold, lawyer and director of the board.
We will begin with Senator Boisvenu for five minutes.