Good afternoon. We thank the Standing Committee on the Status of Women for inviting us today to present in this dialogue about the effects on our economic security of being a woman with a disability. It is vital that you hear from the women who are directly affected by disability and poverty, in order to make decisions that will be good for us and for our country.
It is vital to give us meaningful ways to participate in the decisions at the policy tables that affect our lives. We are grateful for this opportunity to open what we hope is an ongoing dialogue.
As visitors to the lands of the Six Nations people, we thank the Haudenosaunee people for the use of their lands for us to come together today. We ask for guidance and wisdom from our Creator for the words that will allow us to come to an understanding and meaningful change in our society so we may all have lives of economic security and freedom from want and fear.
Our president, Carmela Hutchison.