Good afternoon, everyone, and welcome to meeting number 85 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 Standing Orders, and members are attending in person in the room and remotely using the Zoom application.
I'd like to make a few comments for the benefit of the members.
Please wait until I recognize you by name before speaking. For those who are participating by video conference, please use the “raise hand” function so that I can identify you before speaking as well. You have the option, of course, of French or English. I think you all know that, so we're good there.
For our witnesses, I'm sure you have already checked in and already know that there is French and English there. Just as a reminder, you all have to be using your headsets, and everything looks good there.
For the benefit of Andréanne, all of the sound checks have been done in both French and English. Everything should be good.
Just as a reminder, if we're speaking French and English, just put on your earpiece to choose French or English, if there is a language that's better for you.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted by the committee on Thursday, September 21, 2023, we'll begin our study on women's economic empowerment. I am pleased to welcome, for our first hour, Cadleen Désir, social entrepreneur. She is here in person. We also have with us Meseret Haileyesus. Online, we have Clare Barnett, who is the director of economic development for the City of Brampton.
Today, we are going to be providing each of you five minutes for your opening comments. When you see me asking you to wrap it up, please make that your last 15 seconds. We just want to make the time as tight as possible.
What we'll do is look at the time and try to extend the meeting a bit longer, but we're going to be staying in our 3:30 to 5:30 time slot. With the subcommittee, we work so well together that I know we'll be able to get through that, so we may be shortening that time instead.
Cadleen, I'm going to pass the microphone over to you for the next five minutes for your presentation. You have the floor.