I call this meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number 127 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on the Status of Women.
I would like to remind all members of the following points. Please wait until I recognize you prior to speaking. This is a reminder that all comments should be addressed through the chair.
Thank you all for your co-operation.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted by the committee on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, the committee will now commence its study of gender-based violence and femicides.
Before we welcome our witnesses, I'd like to provide a trigger warning. We will be discussing experiences related to violence and to femicides. This may be triggering to viewers with similar experiences. If indeed participants feel distressed or need help, they should advise the clerk.
For all witnesses and for all members of Parliament, it is important to recognize that these are very difficult discussions, so let's try to keep our conversations as compassionate as possible.
I would also like to note that in order to have an efficient and organized meeting, I will be indicating when you have one minute left and then when you have 30 seconds left, just to keep us on point.
Additionally, this is a reminder to the witnesses and to the members that we are not able to show any props during our testimony and our questions today.
For today's panel, as an individual, I would like to welcome Alison Irons by video conference.
In addition, we have Megan Walker, advocate to end male violence against women.
Representing End Violence Everywhere, we have Cait Alexander, founder.
Representing Safe Centre of Peel, we have Shelina Jeshani, director of strategic partnerships and collaboration, joining us by video conference.
Finally, from Women's Shelters Canada, we have Anuradha Dugal, executive director, joining us by video conference.
At this point, we will begin with our opening statements.
Ms. Irons, you have the floor. Please, go ahead.