I'll make a couple of comments for the benefit of witnesses. Please wait until I recognize you by name before speaking. For those participating via video conference, click on the microphone icon to activate your mike, and please mute yourself when you are not speaking. For interpretation for those on Zoom, you have the choice at the bottom of your screen of English, the floor or French. For those in the room you can use the earpiece and select the desired channel. For members in the room, if you wish to speak, please raise your hand. For those on Zoom, please use the “raise hand” function.
The clerk and I will do our best to accommodate you in the rightful order.
Welcome, everyone. We are studying Bill S-224, an Act to amend the Criminal Code, trafficking in persons.
For today's meeting we have with us, via video conference, Dawne Way, barrister, and Wendy Gee, executive director, A New Day Youth and Adult Services. In person, we have Casandra Diamond, founder and executive director, BridgeNorth Women’s Mentorship and Advocacy Services.
We will go to you, Ms. Diamond, for five minutes. I have a little cue cards, so could you just pay attention when you are about 30 seconds away and then when your time is up, I won't have to interrupt you?
Perfect, over to you, Ms. Diamond.