I would like to call this meeting to order.
Welcome to the 13th meeting of the Standing Committee on the Status of Women.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted on Tuesday, February 1, the committee will resume its study of intimate partner and domestic violence in Canada.
Per the directive of the Board of Internal Economy on March 10, 2022, all those attending in person must wear a mask, except for members who are at their place during the proceedings.
To ensure an orderly meeting, I would like to state a few rules for witnesses and members.
Before speaking, please wait until I recognize you by name. If you are participating by videoconference, click the microphone icon to activate your mike. Please put your mike on mute when you aren't speaking.
For the interpretation, if you are participating in the meeting by Zoom, you have the choice, at the bottom of your screen, of either floor, English or French. If you are participating in person, you can use the headset provided and select the channel you want.
I would remind the members and witnesses that all their comments must be addressed to the chair.
Before we welcome our witnesses, I would like to provide a 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 now want to welcome our guests to today's first panel. We have, as an individual, Geneviève Lessard, a professor at Laval University. From the Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association, we have Rekha Gadhia, manager, family services department. From the Centre-Femmes de Bellechasse, we have Marjolaine Montminy, director.
We will begin with opening remarks. You will each be provided with five minutes for your opening remarks. When you see me twirl my pen, I'm asking you to wrap it up, and I ask that you take 10 to 15 seconds to say your last words.
I am now going to turn the floor over to Geneviève Lessard.
Geneviève, you have the floor for five minutes.