Thank you, Madam Chair.
Thank you, Minister, for being here.
We've heard that women in this country are equal, they just lack opportunity. I was quite interested in your statement, particularly the paragraph in which you asked the question about how, when women face domestic violence, we can help them to recognize the cycle of abuse, find a job and a home, and be self-sustaining.
Minister, I would suggest that there are a number of things this government could do that it hasn't done, and I'm hoping you will make a commitment to do the things that women across this country have been asking for.
For example, will you commit to real child care—affordable, regulated, not-for-profit child care? We know the plan that is currently in place has produced no child care spaces. Absolutely nothing has been created there.
This committee asked that there be proactive legislation on pay equity prepared. That request was denied.
We know women require opportunities in regard to training and access to employment insurance. Right now only 30% of the people who pay into it are able to access it.
We also know women are homeless because there aren't enough affordable homes. We need a national affordable housing program so that there is that housing stock. As the status of women minister, I'm hoping you will commit to working with your cabinet colleagues and your government to make this happen.
Finally, I would say that the empowerment of women is essential. Only 20% of our colleagues are women. That's not acceptable. We're far behind many countries in the world. In fact, Rwanda has more women in government than we have. I'm wondering what you have done within the governing party to make sure there is encouragement for women so that they can be included as participating members in the houses of this land.