Good morning, everyone.
I always go by the BlackBerry time because our clock is a few minutes slow. As we have many guests today, I would like to start on time, especially to commend and thank those who are punctual.
Welcome to the 37th meeting of the Standing Committee on the Status of Women. The committee is continuing its consideration of promising practices to prevent violence against women. This is our second meeting on this study.
We are very pleased to welcome Justine Akman, Director, Immigration Branch, Department of Citizenship and Immigration. We are also hearing from Susan MacPhee, Acting Director General, Immigration Branch.
Joining us from the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development are Andrew Beynon, Director General, Community Opportunities Branch, Lands and Economic Development, and Marla Israel, Director General, Social Policy and Programs Branch, Education and Social Development Programs and Partnerships Sector.
From Public Safety Canada, we have Angela Connidis, Director General, Crime Prevention, Corrections and Criminal Justice Directorate. Joining her is Kimberly Lavoie, Director.
From the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, we are hearing from Tyler Bates, Director, National Aboriginal Policing and Crime Prevention Services.
I am pleased to welcome everyone.
We will begin. Each of the four groups will have 10 minutes to make a presentation. Afterwards, committee members will ask question.
I would like to start with Susan MacPhee, who has 10 minutes for her presentation
Ms. MacPhee, go ahead.