I'd like to call the meeting to order, please.
I'd like to welcome the witnesses who came all the way here to share their insights with us and answer questions.
As you know, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), this committee is doing a study on maternal and child health. On April 12, 2010, the Standing Committee on the Status of Women unanimously adopted the following motion to study maternal and child health. The motion states:
That the Committee study maternal and child health following the government's announcement to make maternal and child health a priority at the G8 in June that Canada will be hosting, as long as this is done before the end of May.
So we have a very narrow timeline for this committee to meet and listen to witnesses.
Now I want to welcome everyone here, and I will list the witnesses: Action Canada for Population and Development, Katherine McDonald, executive director; the Guttmacher Institute, Sharon Camp, president and chief executive officer; Oxfam Canada, Robert Fox, executive director; and of course the White Ribbon Alliance for Safe Motherhood, Maureen McTeer, Canadian representative.
Because you're each four separate and distinct groups, I'm going to ask you to take 10 minutes to present to us. You could take less if you wish, but 10 minutes.... I'll give you a two-minute signal so that you will know that you only have two minutes, and then we will move to a question and answer session.
We will begin with the Guttmacher Institute, Sharon Camp, president and chief executive officer.