I think our first order of business should be to review the work accomplished last year to get an idea of where we're going. I've seen several reports peppered with recommendations. I'd like to know what's been done, and what work remains to be done. I'm not familiar with procedure. Do I need to move a motion or some such thing? Perhaps the clerk can enlighten us.
I've also seen a report on pay equity that was tabled. Last time -- I don't recall the exact date -- I put a question to the Minister of Labour concerning pay equity. He responded that an interdepartmental committee was examining this issue. Can you tell me if pay equity legislation is currently being drafted? In my opinion, we need this kind of legislation. The time for debate and discussion is long over. Now is the time for action. It might be interesting for the committee to put forward pay equity legislation.
Finally, as we've all observed, crime and security are key concerns of this government. As I see it, it's critically important that we do a study on the impact future changes will have on women, whether changes to the Criminal Code, the Corrections Act or the Parole Act. We should come up with recommendations to advise other committees that will be reviewing these acts. Regarding crime, we could also examine the whole issue of human smuggling, a subject that has been covered at length in several reports.
In terms of the correctional system, it's important to take into account not only female inmates, but mothers who have been incarcerated. Upon closer examination, we note that their situation is quite desperate. What steps can be taken to ensure that the corrections systems is better adapted to women? The crime rate among women is much lower than among men. Consequently, fewer programs are available specifically for women. Women are incarcerated in maximum security facilities even when they are serving a light sentence. The infrastructure and the programs are simply not there for them.
Thank you.