I call this meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number 134 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on the Status of Women.
I would like to remind all members of the following points: Pease wait until I recognize you by name before speaking. All comments should be addressed through the chair.
Please raise your hand if you wish to speak. I will track time accordingly. I will provide a time signal when there is one minute left and again when there are 30 seconds left.
Thank you in advance for all of 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 on gender-based violence and femicides against women, girls and gender-diverse people.
Before we welcome our witnesses, I’d like to provide a trigger warning. We will be discussing experiences related to violence and femicides. Indeed, this may be triggering to viewers with similar experiences. If any participants feel distressed or need help, please advise the clerk at any point. For all witnesses and for all members of Parliament, again, we need to recognize that these are very difficult discussions, and it's important for all of us to be as compassionate as we can.
For today's panel, from the Office of the Federal Ombudsperson for Victims of Crime, we have with us Dr. Benjamin Roebuck, federal ombudsperson for victims of crime.
We also have with us, from the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, Sergeant Lisa Harris, non-commissioned officer, criminal investigation division.
Joining us by video conference is Erin Griver, co-chair for the Woman Abuse Working Group.
At this point, we will begin with opening statements.
Dr. Roebuck, you have the floor for up to five minutes.