Good afternoon, everyone. Welcome to meeting number 12 of the Standing Committee on the Status of Women. I call this meeting to order.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted on Tuesday, February 1, the committee will resume its study on intimate partner and domestic violence in Canada.
Per the directive of the Board of Internal Economy on March 10, 2022, all those attending the meeting in person must wear a mask except for members who are at their place during proceedings.
To ensure that the meeting runs smoothly, I would like to pass on some instructions to the witnesses and members.
Before you speak, please wait for me to name you. If you are participating in the meeting via video conference, click on the microphone icon to activate your microphone. When not speaking, please mute your microphone.
Interpretation services are available to you. Those participating in the meeting by video conference have the choice of English, French, or the floor. These choices are offered at the bottom of the screen. Those in the room can use the headphones or choose the desired channel.
I remind you that all comments from members and witnesses should be directed to the chair.
Before we welcome our witnesses, I would like to provide this trigger warning: We will be discussing experiences related to violence and assault. This may be triggering to viewers with similar experiences. If you feel distressed or if you need help, please advise the clerk.
I would like to welcome our witnesses and our guests today.
I am honoured to welcome the Minister for Women and Gender Equality, the Honourable Marci Ien. Joining her today from the Department of Women for Gender Equality are Alia Butt, who is the assistant deputy minister for strategic policy, and Lisa Smylie, who is the director general of the research, results and delivery branch.
We will begin with five minutes for the opening statement from the minister, and then we'll go to our round.
Minister, you have the floor for five minutes.