Thank you, Madam. I thank you also for all the work you have done on pay equity for Canadians. I salute you, Madam.
It is absolutely certain that we can't renew our virginity. It isn't possible. However, neither can we trigger elections whenever we disagree with the government. That was our position on Bill C-10. From the outset, from the very moment we voiced formal objections against the government's attempt to modify the pay equity regime and even since that vote, we have said that we had to vote for the budget in the national interest in order to avoid triggering unnecessary elections. However, we also said clearly that what the Conservative government wanted to do in the area of pay equity was a mistake. We were clear. And that is precisely why I introduced this bill.
I'm very heartened by the fact that you said that you would be voting in favour of the bill, as this means that you recognize, as much as I do, that the Conservative government's approach is the wrong one. This means that we must never treat pay equity as a simple labour negotiations matter that can be settled around a table. It must be considered as a human right that must be protected and promoted in all areas of federal jurisdiction.
You have no doubt noted that other provinces have pay equity boards. We must have one at the federal level. That is our main message. I'm very happy to know that you will be supporting our idea for progress in this area.
Thank you for your question.