We have quorum, so we're going to get started. I'd like to welcome everyone to the 119th meeting of the Standing Committee on the Status of Women.
I'd also like to welcome some visitors sitting in the audience today. We have some officials with us who are the equivalent of Status of Women in other countries. We have the Canada-U.K. working group on gender equality and women's empowerment, as well as a representative from Australia's Office for Women.
Welcome. I hope you enjoy our meeting.
Today we're resuming our study on the system of shelters and transition houses serving women and children affected by violence against women and intimate partner violence.
I'm pleased to welcome, from Habitat for Humanity Halton-Mississauga, John Gerrard, the chief executive officer. Via video conference, we have, from Table de concertation de Laval en condition féminine, Marie-Ève Surprenant, who is the coordinator, as well as Fabienne Héraux, external services social worker, from Lina's Home.
We also have with us in the meeting room, from the Shield of Athena Family Services, Melpa Kamateros, the executive director.
You have seven minutes for your presentations.
John, I'm going to turn it over to you for your opening statement.