Thank you, Chair.
If I could speak to my motion, I'm secure of the four rationales.
First, the budget was touted as an important step for women with the use of gender-based analysis and the gender statement. It is reasonable, therefore, to ask the Minister of Finance to appear before this committee to discuss the ways in which the decisions were made in the budget. This committee has done at least two studies over the last five years specifically on gender budgeting, and there was our study last year on gender-based analysis. We have expertise at this table specifically.
The second point is that Finance Canada conducts a GBA but does not share its findings. Therefore, we need to ask the finance minister directly. That is something that has been said several times in public by the finance minister.
Third, his fall economic statement, released November 1, noted that it would ensure that the government continues to deliver real and meaningful change for all Canadians. It specifies publishing a gender-based analysis of budgetary measures.
Fourth, Standing Order 108(2) specifically says this committee has the broad authority to study the policies, programs, expenditures, budgetary estimates, and legislation of departments and agencies that conduct work related to the status of women.
Inviting the finance minister is no different from having any other departments, such as Statistics Canada, Industry, Natural Resources—all of which have appeared before this committee. I would argue that if this government has a good story to tell about its gender budgeting, we would benefit from hearing from the minister directly.
Thank you.