Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I was simply going to reiterate my proposals to ensure that they are clear to all committee members. I agree with the suggested order and, if we want to plan two studies, I don't see a problem with that.
It's not that the pay equity issue is not important. The problem is that we're here in the committee that is making recommendations to the federal government. So we want to conduct a study and make recommendations on something that we will not be able to change.
The people I represent did not elect me to change the colours of the walls in schools. Pay equity is a very important matter. However, the federal government can't change pay legislation in universities across Canada. Where the federal government can really change the legislation is through the contracts it awards. I have no objection to that. I support that 100% and we're going to study that issue.
However, I refuse to proceed with a study and make recommendations on something that the federal government can't change, not because it's not an important issue, but because it's not within our jurisdiction.
I think it's important to understand the limits of our roles and responsibilities. I would even invite analysts to give us their opinion. What can the government really control under the act, and what can the federal government change in terms of pay equity in educational institutions?
I'd like to hear their unbiased and objective comments so that they can clarify things for us in our important work on this committee.