I call the meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number 97 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights.
Pursuant to the order adopted by the House on February 7, 2024, the committee is meeting in public to continue its study of Bill C-332, an act to amend the Criminal Code (controlling or coercive conduct).
Today's meeting is taking place in a hybrid format. Members are attending in person in the room and remotely using the Zoom application.
We have two witnesses in the first panel. Both are attending via video conference, and both witnesses have been tested for sound.
Please wait until I recognize you by name before speaking. For the benefit of the witnesses, you'll be allowed a specific time frame for your opening remarks, as well as for answering questions for each of the members.
I will have to be a bit strict on the time use. If so, please bear with me. I ask for your patience. There's a rotation that we follow.
All comments are to be addressed through the chair. For members using Zoom, you can raise your hand using the Zoom “raise hand” function. For those in the room, obviously, you know how to seek my attention.
I want to welcome our witnesses for the first 45 minutes.
We have them both with us by video conference. We have, from the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic, Deepa Mattoo, executive director; and from the Women's Legal Education and Action Fund, Roxana Parsa, staff lawyer.
You each have five minutes for your opening remarks. I will start with Madam Mattoo.