I call this meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number 132 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on the Status of Women.
I'd like to remind all members of the following points: Please wait until I recognize you by name prior to speaking and please address all comments through the chair.
Thank you all in advance 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 continue with its study of gender-based violence and femicide against women, girls and gender-diverse people.
Before we welcome our witnesses, I would like to provide this trigger warning. We will be discussing experiences related to violence and femicide. This may be triggering to some viewers with similar experiences. If at any point any participants feel distressed or need help, please advise the clerk.
For all witnesses and members of Parliament, it's very important to recognize that these are very difficult discussions. Indeed, it is incumbent on all of us to be as compassionate as possible.
For today's panel, I would like to introduce, as an individual, Esther Uhlman.
From the Association des familles de personnes assassinées ou disparues, we have the Hon. Pierre‑Hugues Boisvenu, administrator and former senator.
From the Ending Violence Association of Canada, we have Valérie Auger-Voyer, advocacy coordinator.
At this point, we will begin our opening statements.
Ms. Uhlman, you have the floor for up to five minutes.