Yes, we're on the same page.
Evidence of meeting #13 for Status of Women in the 40th Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was job.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Evidence of meeting #13 for Status of Women in the 40th Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was job.
A recording is available from Parliament.
11:05 a.m.
Conservative
11:05 a.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Hedy Fry
We're on the same page now, good. Thanks, Sylvie.
So we've dealt with that, because we do not have the information. We'll have to deal with Madame Demers' motion when we get back from our break week.
I also wanted to let you know the Deputy Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development is coming along later today.
Regarding our request for the Deputy Minister of Finance to appear, we have heard that neither the Deputy Minister of Finance nor the Minister of Finance will be able to present to this committee, because they will both be away. One, the Minister of Finance, will be away from March 31 until later today; and the Deputy Minister of Finance will be away from March 27 until May 4. So neither of them would fit into the timelines of debate. So we could not get that department to participate.
This is just housekeeping, guys. If you will recall, we had a request from a Vietnamese delegation to meet with us. That request has been cancelled by the Vietnamese delegation. But we do have a request from a delegation of eight to ten people from Serbia, who are doing a study tour aimed at strengthening the legislative-making process of their gender equality directorate. They wanted to come to Canada to hear how we go about doing that and what it is that we do. The note to meet with these particular people indicates it isn't a compulsory meeting. So you don't have to turn up, but it is really nice, and it's a courtesy when visiting delegations from other countries come to find out about our committee's work, if as many of you as possible turn up and have a discussion with them. They will be in Ottawa Tuesday, May 26. We would like to know who would like to meet with them, and we can set a place for that meeting. Just let the clerk know what you would like to do.
I also wanted to wish a very happy birthday to Madame Deschamps.
11:10 a.m.
Conservative
Patricia Davidson Conservative Sarnia—Lambton, ON
Madam Chair, I'm sorry, I didn't catch where you said the delegation is from.
11:10 a.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Hedy Fry
Unless there's any other business to deal with now.... No, let's leave this until after the rest of this week, and then possibly deal with anyone who wants to bring forward notice of motions.
I will adjourn this portion and we will bring in the witnesses now.
Yes, Madame Demers.
11:10 a.m.
Bloc
Nicole Demers Bloc Laval, QC
Madam Chair, I think that Ms. Boucher has an emergency motion that she wants to present. It is quite important.
11:10 a.m.
Conservative
Sylvie Boucher Conservative Beauport—Limoilou, QC
Yes, it is rather important, because we are indeed the Standing Committee on the Status of Women. I am going to read you an article, and you will see where I am going. When I read this yesterday, I was floored. I did not think that we could still be treating women this way in 2009. As I do not come from Montreal but from an area near Quebec City, I went to see Ms. Demers about it. In translation, the title of the article is: “Female politicians outraged“.
[Translation] "Terrible, terrible", said Monique Worth. The Mayor of Pierrefonds-Roxboro is scandalized by the sign in front of Cabaret Bazaz. "I find it terrible that, in 2009, we can still talk about women like that, still laugh at chubby or fat women."
The article says that the advertising is unfortunately vulgar. It shows women no respect. It is outside a bar where 12 dancers perform. The sign states “ten beautiful dancers, a fat one and an ugly one“. We should at least respect differences. I was personally hurt because I used to be one of those women who was morbidly obese. Just 13 years ago, I weighed 305 lb. When I read the article, I felt hurt. I think that the committee should adopt a motion. I am not sure how it should be written. I do not want it to sound like a denunciation, but I would like it to say that women must be respected even in advertising. We have already talked about it here in committee. I find it deplorable that, in 2009, we can still treat women in this fashion.
I will write...
11:15 a.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Hedy Fry
Thank you, Madame Boucher.
After we've listened to the witnesses, the committee might want to decide what to do with this—and we will have a bit of time, because I think I have notices of motion to come forward from a couple of people. I think you make a very important point, and it's extremely destructive and hurtful.
11:15 a.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Hedy Fry
And it continues to stereotype and do all of those things.
Maybe we can decide how we want to deal with it. A motion may not be the way to go. The committee might want to put out a press release. The committee might want to do other things. But perhaps we can discuss this in further detail.
11:15 a.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Hedy Fry
Thank you.
Now let's move to bring in the witnesses.
The meeting is adjourned.