I'll try. Thank you for the question.
With respect to the first part of your question, I think most experts would probably agree that legislation alone, particularly legislation on pay equity, will not by itself entirely close the gender wage gap. As my colleague from Status of Women pointed out earlier, the gender wage gap is created by a whole series of factors, one of which is addressed by pay equity.
So it can make a contribution, but I would also go on to say that legislation can't fix some of the underlying problems that stem from the socialization of children into gender roles and perceptions. Legislation can't fix that. It can contribute to sensitizing people to the issues, and therefore, can play a positive role, but by itself it's not a single solution.
With respect to a nationwide program, I think it would be unconstitutional for the federal government to attempt to impose a pay equity regime in provincial jurisdictions. I do think there would be some scope, if the federal government had the appetite to do so, to discuss with its provincial and territorial partners opportunities to work together in this area, exchanging best practices and so on. But by itself it could not intrude into provincial jurisdiction and impose a pay equity program.