I want to begin by thanking the two witnesses for participating in our study on the economic prosperity and leadership of Canadian women.
According to the United Nations 2012 human development index, inequalities in Canada have increased. We ranked 15th, behind countries such as Iceland, Denmark and Slovenia. According to the World Economic Forum's annual report for 2012, Canada slipped from the 18th to the 21st position in one year, falling behind the Philippines, Latvia, Cuba and Nicaragua. That report ranks countries based on gender inequality data in terms of economic situation, access to education, health care and women's participation in politics.
I would like you to explain to us why Canada has been falling behind on the international stage over the past few years.
Is this regression due to politics, budget cuts, programs that have not been renewed? What are your thoughts on this?