I'd like to call the meeting to order.
I would like to welcome the witnesses today. As you well know, we are looking at discussing, and hearing from you about, your experience and any information you have to offer us with regard to the participation of women in non-traditional roles.
I want to welcome all of you today: the Status of Women Council of the Northwest Territories, with Ms. Phaneuf; the Native Women's Association of Canada, with Ms. Calder; the Métis National Council, with Ms. Watteyne; the president of the Métis Women of Saskatchewan, Madam Bailey; and Denise Thomas, the vice-president of the Southeast Region of the Manitoba Métis Federation.
I'll just quickly let you know what we do usually at these things. You have 10 minutes. There are three groups. Many of you are in one particular group. Each of the three groups—i.e., the Métis National Council, the Native Women's Association of Canada, and the Status of Women Council of the Northwest Territories—has 10 minutes to present to us. I will give you a flag when your time is ending so that you can wrap up. After that, there will be a question-and-answer series in which the members of the committee will ask you questions and you will answer.
We should begin with the Status of Women Council of the Northwest Territories.
Ms. Phaneuf, welcome.