As I see it, not only should we review the work done by the previous committee, we should also revisit the recommendations made.
A total of four reports were tabled, two of which dealt with the funding of the Women's Program. Both of these reports called for an increase in funding levels. Status of Women Canada was scheduled to begin consultations on this very subject last fall. It would be good to get an update on the status of these talks.
The second committee report focused on an extremely important subject, namely a comparative analysis of the sexes. In my opinion, we cannot draft or amend legislation without taking this analysis into account. A three-member panel of experts was struck to devise the best possible strategies to promote and report on the advancement of women. It's important that we review the report prepared by this panel.
Moving along, the committee should propose draft pay equity legislation. We need to find out what this government intends to do on this front. I'm delighted with the prospect of having aboriginal women's issues on our agenda, especially the question of matrimonial property and rights. Aboriginal women, least we forget, have been fighting to have their rights recognized since 1974. A Quebec organization has been actively promoting the recognition of aboriginal rights.