Yes, I would. Thank you, Madam Chair.
The notice of motion is in front of you. The motion reads:
Pursuant to Standing Order 108 (2) that the Standing Committee on the Status of Women (SWC) recognize that all women are equal in Canada under the Constitution and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and that the government strive to address the barriers that would prevent the full participation of women in Canadian society, so the economic, social and cultural situation is improved through projects directly impacting women in communities across Canada.
Clearly, Madam Chair, we are just following the laws of the land. Clearly, under the Constitution all women, all Canadians, are equal. I think it's very dangerous to say that one segment of society is not allowed to be equal in Canada, because under our Constitution that is the reason people come to Canada. It is because they know they are equal; they know it is the land of opportunity. That is what we have control over as a government and as a nation.
Second, however, we can't control everybody's thoughts and feelings, because in a democratic society people are free to function the way they see best within the law. That's when the barriers come in, and these are the barriers we have been talking about at the status of women committee.
For instance, human trafficking is a real barrier to the equality of women, because criminal minds step in and criminal minds take over. As parliamentarians, we need to address those barriers and put laws in place that enhance the safety of women.
Also, when barriers are there for economic concerns or other concerns, laws that help women overcome those barriers need to be put in place.
This motion, Madam Chair, is first to recognize that all women are equal, but second, to strive to address the barriers that prevent the full participation of women in our Canadian society, so that economically, socially, or culturally, all women can be recognized as the leaders they are.
I would ask that this committee support this motion, because clearly the intent of this motion, I believe, reflects what we're trying to do here in status of women.