Thank you, Marie-Thérèse and Beth, for being here today and helping us. I am sorry that, many years later, after your great report, it would appear we are still studying and still talking about pay equity.
I am quite excited about the fact of this committee. It is my hope that we will move forward, finally, and put something into place.
I have a quick question that was brought up when we were commenting on the legislation that wasn't proclaimed. Maybe I can start with you, Beth. Could you underline again why it is important that pay equity not be put on a bargaining table? One reason you commented on is that those who are experiencing the most impact would be those who are non-unionized, in contract positions, or at the lower end. Even within a bargaining environment, why is it important that it be apart, that it be separate, like occupational health and safety, and not on the bargaining table with other things?