I call the meeting to order.
Good morning, everyone, and welcome to the 51st meeting of the House of Commons Standing Committee on the Status of Women. Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted on October 31, 2022, the committee will resume its study on women and girls in sport.
Today’s meeting is taking place in a hybrid format, pursuant to the House order of June 23, 2022. Members are attending in person in the room and remotely by using the Zoom application.
I would like to make a few comments for the benefit of the witnesses and members.
Please wait until I recognize you by name before speaking. For those participating by video conference, click on the microphone icon to activate your mike, and please mute it when you are not speaking.
For interpretation for those on Zoom, you have the choice at the bottom of your screen of floor, English or French. For those in the room, you can use the earpiece and select the desired channel.
I remind you that all comments should be addressed through the chair.
For members in the room, if you wish to speak, please raise your hand. For members on Zoom, please use the “raise hand” function. The clerk and I will manage the speaking order as best we can, and we appreciate your patience and understanding in this regard.
Before we welcome our witnesses, I would like to provide this trigger warning. This will be a difficult study. We will be discussing experiences related to abuse. This may be triggering to viewers, members or staff if they have had similar experiences. If you feel distressed or if you need help, please advise the clerk.
I would now like to welcome our witnesses. Appearing for the first hour today is the Honourable Pascale St-Onge, member of Parliament, Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec. With her is Isabelle Mondou from the Department of Canadian Heritage, who is the deputy minister.
Pascale, I will be providing you five minutes for your opening comments. When you see me start to throw up my arms, squeeze it down.
The floor is yours, Minister, for five minutes.