Thank you very much, Madam Chair.
Thank you very much to the witnesses for coming. We have before us a number of specialists who are very knowledgeable about women's needs. We very much appreciate your comments.
In 1997, the Liberals created research programs, but it is disappointing to hear about the cuts that have been made to research, even though it is very important. It is easy to give numbers and statistics, but we must look even closer, dissect them and explain them, because they can be misleading.
Someone asked earlier if women were not the net benefactors, if they did not receive more benefits even though they pay less into the EI system. In response to that question, I would say that it depends on the nature of the benefits. It is very important to call witnesses who can dissect all this for us.
The government is telling us that consultations were held before the changes were made. You are experts in the area of the needs of women. Were your organizations consulted?