Madam Chair, I do not often attend meetings of this committee, but I am pleased to be here in the company of representatives of the Department of Citizenship and Immigration. My questions are probably addressed more to Ms. Siddall. I'll give the others a little rest.
Immigrant women constitute a large proportion of the female population, and I believe that number has been increasing over the years. They are an asset. Many of them are successful economically—very successful—and make a remarkable contribution to our economy, our community and political life, and human rights. We have only to look at the women in Quebec representing large union organizations or large women's organizations. I am thinking of the dynamism demonstrated by the Réseau des femmes d'affaires, as well as women who are members of the Association des femmes en finance du Québec
At the same time, there is one reality that affects immigrant women and refugees when they apply for immigrant status. I believe that Ms. Siddall is very much aware of the harm that can be caused by the Immigration Act, in terms of their equitable treatment and recognition as heads of family, as well as their particular circumstances when they are refugees. Often they are on welfare, which prevents them from being reunited with their children and their spouse.
There is also the matter of recent measures that were taken or imposed with a view to ensuring there is proof of family ties. I'm referring to DNA tests to prove the existence of a blood relationship, as well as a whole series of measures, including the points system used for candidate selection. I could list a number of other issues that affect women, particularly the wage gap in other countries. In Canada, we have seen that such a wage gap exists. We are making progress, but in many countries, the progress has not been as significant or noteworthy. I would like to know specifically what plan of action the Department of Citizenship and Immigration has put in place to remove the barriers faced by these women, and I also would like to know about both efforts and expenditures in that area.