Thank you, Madam Chair.
I thought it was the Liberals' side. Thank you for that.
Ladies, I have to tell you a story. When I was first asked into this committee, I felt fear and trepidation. I understand, then, some of your concern in moving into the workplace with the men. This is how I had felt. But I have to tell you that I've been welcomed with open arms. It's really been a good experience. I'm hoping that the same thing is happening in the workforce. I think maybe attitudes have changed.
Here's a little story. I remember when I was driving my daughter to her university for the first time. I had to drop her off, and we had a little conversation about her going to university. “Andrea”, I said, “your grandmother stayed home; most women at that time did. Your mother was able to work; there was a choice. When you leave school, you will have to work.” I suggested to her that we've probably witnessed the greatest revolution in possibly...I would almost say in mankind. We've seen a complete switch in values.
You know, I'm a little bit of a student of history. I think if anybody reads the paper, you'll know that the Anglican Church is having some difficulties, and the Roman Catholic Church in its 500 years--that's 500 years--waited to get the flock back. When we look at that and we understand that what we're seeing are strongholds that have been entrenched for generations, are we making progress? That's the first question.
Second, are we sometimes just pushing it a little too hard? Are we expecting more than what can be determined?
In light of that, what is the ratio, for instance, in the public workforce compared to the private? I think we've made great strides there. Are there areas like that where we've done relatively well, or exceptionally well, and others areas where we just need to drag them along?