Thank you, Madam Chair.
When I first set eyes on this bill, my jaw dropped. It is unquestionably a major step backward for women who have fought for decades to build a Canadian and Quebec culture in which women's basic rights are respected.
I negotiated collective agreements for over 27 years, at a time when there was no pay equity legislation and where a power relationship prevailed during the negotiation of wages for plant workers. Often, there were gaps and injustices. When the legislation was enacted in Quebec and at the federal level, it meant employers, employees and unions could truly work to implement the legislation's provisions and reduce any inequities. Hundreds of collective agreements were successfully negotiated and the provisions of the Pay Equity Act implemented without having to pay lawyers. This was a major accomplishment and a radical shift in culture.
In your opinion, what impact will this legislation have on women? The right to equality is threatened, along with other rights. You mentioned employment insurance. If the gaps widen, women will have less than men.
Do you anticipate that the legislation will have any kind of impact on pension plans? I'd like to know if you think the legislation will have a negative impact on women in many areas of society.