I don't wish to cast aspersions on anyone, but I would like to call to mind the mandate of our committee. If I'm not mistaken, fundamentally, our mission is to speak to the government for Canadian women. When representatives of CARAL and FAFIA came to see us five years ago, -- at least, they came to see me, as well as Judy Wasylycia-Leis from the NDP and some Conservative Party MPs as well -- they called for a status of women committee. These women were experiencing first hand a number of problems that they wanted brought to the government's attention.
While human trafficking is a problem that affects women, there are also other problems that typically affect Canadian and Quebec women and these cannot be ignored.
If we remember our mandate and what women's groups want, and if, as Ms. Neville was saying, we really want to do something tangible, we must use last year's consultations and the priorities identified by women's groups as a starting point. It's important for us to have that information at hand. That shouldn't be too difficult.
I see a representative of FAFIA in the room. I asked her which topic she'd opt to examine. Obviously, the economic security of older women would be a very interesting choice, because it ties in with all kinds of issues related to the status of women.
I remind you that last year's Subcommittee on Solicitation Laws couldn't come to an agreement. Moreover, the public perception of this committee was very negative because women's groups argued that certain problems affected all Canadian women. There was also the whole question of financial considerations associated with the committee.
What is it that we want as federal MPs representing Canadian women? There's no denying that solicitation is a serious problem, but perhaps we could hold off and focus our attention on the problems affecting all Canadian and Quebec women.
Furthermore, the new government has never made its position known on matters such as the economic security of older women. Hearings would give us the opportunity to ask our new government to state its position on the status of women and share its plans with us.
As we know, the Vice-Chair of this committee is a staunch feminist. Does she stand alone in advocating for women's issues? Women's groups are demanding protection and demanding to have their voice heard on issues of concern to them.
I'll say no more. It's up to you to decide, but you'll have to live with the consequences.
Thank you, Madam Chair.