I call this meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number 59 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on the Status of Women.
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 yourself when you're not speaking.
For interpretation for those on Zoom, you have the choice at the bottom of your screen of either floor, English or French. For those in the room, use your earpiece and your desired channel.
All comments should be addressed through the chair. For members in the room, if you wish to speak, please raise your hand, and for those using the Zoom application, please use the Zoom function for that.
In accordance with the committee's routine motion concerning connection tests for witnesses, I am informing the committee that all witnesses appearing virtually have completed the required connection tests in advance of the meeting.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted on Tuesday, February 1, 2022, the committee will resume its study of human trafficking of women, girls and gender-diverse people.
Before we welcome our witnesses, I would like to provide this trigger warning: This will be a very difficult study. We'll be discussing experiences related to abuse. This may be triggering to viewers, members or staff with similar experiences. If you feel distressed or if you need help, please advise the clerk.
Now I would like to welcome our first witnesses on our panel. I would like to welcome Staff Sergeant Robert Chrismas, who is appearing as an individual. We have Miriam Pomerleau, who is director general for Quebec of Crime Stoppers; and, from Mourani-Criminologie, we have Maria Mourani, criminologist and president.
You will also be speaking, so thank you so much.
We're going to start this off with Staff Sergeant Chrismas.
You have five minutes for your opening comments. When you see me starting to whirl my arms, please try to get it done within the next 15 seconds.
Mr. Chrismas, you go first.