Thank you, Madam Chair.
I appreciate the presentation that was made here today. You're all very strong voices.
Much of what you've said, I and my other colleagues on this side have been saying for some weeks now, and we continue to, so there isn't a disagreement.
I was watching an interview with the minister a couple of days ago on Mike Duffy Live. She was saying the cuts aren't the issue because the cuts will be redirected, although that remains to be seen. We've seen nothing to that effect; I received a letter from the minister that doesn't mention any of that.
But putting that aside for a moment, it's bad enough, but for me the money is really bad. The biggest offence is the criteria change, because it's saying women's equality in this country doesn't matter, it's not the government's responsibility, it doesn't exist, and it's changing that altogether.
When she was asked about that, about shutting up the voices of women who do the research and the advocacy--many of you have given all kinds of terrific examples--she said that was fine, there's no problem, and why should the government have to pay for it?
It's as if somehow the money is coming out of her pocket and she's having to pay for it, as opposed to all of us looking after each other.
I'd like you to tell us, and to tell her through us, why the Government of Canada should be paying for it, or why your tax dollars should be paying for it. I'd appreciate that. You've given us some examples. Give it to us in as direct a message as you can as to why we should be paying for it, because it relates very directly to the mandate.