Thank you very much, Madam Chair.
Good morning, Minister. Thank you for being here this morning. I know that it is never a walk in the park, because we are always looking for as many answers as possible in a short amount of time. That is not always easy. I will begin with a positive remark, Minister, you know me, I am a positive woman.
Last week, we unanimously adopted a motion calling on Status of Women Canada and Human Resources and Skills Development Canada to mandate Statistics Canada to evaluate and calculate unpaid work, or invisible work, as it did in its general social survey in 1992. I was happy to see that everyone supported the motion and thought it was a good idea.
When do you intend to ask Statistics Canada to undertake this survey, so that we can identify invisible work done by women and determine what it is worth, so that we can have an idea of the real value of the work women do and what proportion of our GDP that represents? This includes men as well, because some of them also do invisible work. There are male colleagues with us here this morning; I will not leave them out.
Minister, the last time that you appeared before us, I talked about a specific issue: the CIAFT. That organization was asking for funding to be able to help women who wanted to do non-traditional work. The project had been proposed under Status of Women Canada programs, and you had kindly agreed to review the matter. That is why we sent it on to your office. I assume that it has been looked at by your deputy ministers and the people in charge of such studies.
Since March 5, it has gone back to your office for approval. Unfortunately, despite several calls, considerable follow-up, a response has not yet been provided. The people in charge of the organization are in despair and wonder if they will ever benefit from the funding, which is very important for women. I want to clarify that my action will not win me any votes. The organization is not in my riding. I am taking action in accordance with my convictions: we must help as many women as possible.