I call this meeting to order.
Before we begin, I'd like to mention, in the name of all colleagues and personally, that we wish everyone—particularly all our female colleagues and panellists present today—a good International Women's Day. As you can see, our agenda reflects that important day today.
Welcome to meeting number 53 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted on January 30, 2023, the committee is beginning its study on Canada's bail system.
Today’s meeting is taking place in a hybrid format, pursuant to the House order of June 23, 2022. Members are attending in person in the room and remotely using the Zoom application.
I would like to make a few comments for the benefits of the witnesses and the members.
Please wait until I recognize you by name before speaking. For those participating by video conference, click on the microphone icon to activate your mike, and please mute yourself when you are not speaking. With regard to interpretation for those on Zoom, you have the choice, at the bottom of your screen, of either English, French or floor audio. Those in the room can use the earpiece and select the desired channel.
I will remind you that all comments should be addressed through the chair. Members in the room, if you wish to speak, please raise your hand. Members on Zoom, please use the “raise hand” function. The clerk and I will manage the speaking order as best we can, and we appreciate your patience and understanding in this regard.
The Speaker's ruling in the House on March 7 regarding virtual meetings.... Briefly, I'd like to remind all of us of Speaker Rota's ruling regarding virtual meetings as per Tuesday. Interpreters “will not be able to provide simultaneous interpretation if members, and also witnesses in the case of committees, participating remotely are not wearing the appropriate headsets.”
Thank you. Now we'll resume our study on Canada's bail system.
Appearing today, we have, as an individual, Dr. Nicole Myers, an associate professor from Queen's University, my alma mater. Also, from the Canadian Association of Elizabeth Fry Societies, we have Emilie Coyle, executive director, via video conference; and from London Abused Women's Centre, we have Jennifer Dunn, executive director.
We welcome you and are glad to have you here. You have the floor for five minutes, and as usual your opening remarks will be followed by questions from the members of the committee. I have cue cards, so when you have about 30 seconds remaining, I'll raise the yellow card, and when you're done, the red card. I'll just ask you to wrap up at that time so that I don't have to interrupt you.
The same goes for members.
Welcome, Ms. Vecchio, to the committee.
I'm a little old school. I use cue cards.
We'll begin with Dr. Nicole Myers for five minutes.