Committee members, I would suggest that if you want to leave at 4:30 you'd better settle down.
I'd like to draw to the attention of committee members that the witnesses were given parameters of “senior women” when they were called. The committee is looking at a holistic approach of women generally--economic security of women. Whatever group you represent, whether it's senior women, business women, etc., it will be advantageous for us to hear about it.
I know you've come with a 10-minute presentation. I would suggest you keep your presentation to five minutes so there can be a lot of questions and answers and interaction. That's what you're here for. The committee wants to listen, to ask you questions, and to understand. So if you are not able to get through your presentation, you can leave it for us. We will distribute it to committee members. You don't have to have it in both official languages; we'll do the translation.
Ms. West, I know you've come from New Brunswick, and Ms. Blake, you've come from the west. You've come from the west; you've come from the east. Thank you so much for being here. We are very grateful you agreed to come.
We would like to start with Ms. Calhoun, for five to seven minutes maximum, please.