Thank you, Madam Chair.
I'd like to begin with the fact that was raised by previous witnesses in this committee, and that is that for every dollar in employment insurance, there's a generation of $1.60 into the economy. It keeps families secure, it helps small businesses survive, and it keeps communities healthy. I think that's important.
I want to pick up on something that Professor Lightman said, that economists should know, understand, and see what social workers see; Professor Vincent, your reference to the system that is in place in Quebec; Professor Baker, your reference to breastfeeding, its benefits, and security to the mom who can stay home longer; Professor MacDonald, your reference to the stress of part-time and insecure multiple jobs.
I'm wondering about the health implications for women, their children, and their families when they're not able to access employment insurance. What price do we pay as a society when that happens?