I call this meeting to order.
A cordial welcome to meeting number 39 of the House of Commons' Standing Committee on the Status of Women.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted by the committee on Thursday, April 23, 2026, the committee will begin its study of women's shelters and transitional housing. For the second hour, we will move in camera for consideration of draft reports.
As always, today's meeting is taking place in a hybrid format, pursuant to the Standing Orders. Members are attending in person in the room and remotely using the Zoom application.
I would like to make a few comments for the benefit of members and witnesses. We aren't very strict, but some rules do need to be respected.
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 are not speaking.
For those on Zoom, at the bottom of your screen you can select the appropriate channel for interpretation: either floor, English or French. For those in the room, you can use the earpiece and select the desired channel.
If you wish to speak, please raise your hand. For those on Zoom, please use the “raise hand” function.
I would like to remind witnesses that committee members may ask questions in either French or English. If you will need interpretation, please take a moment now to prepare your earpiece and select the listening channel you need in advance in order to take full advantage of the time allotted for questions and answers.
A reminder that all comments should be addressed through the chair.
I'd now like to welcome the witnesses.
From Sagesse Domestic Violence Prevention Society, we have Andrea Silverstone, chief executive officer. From Shelter Movers, we have Marc Hull-Jacquin, founder and chief executive officer.
Hello, sir. You're here, with us.
From Women's Shelters Canada, we have Anuradha Dugal, executive director. Welcome.
We will begin with opening statements, and Ms. Silverstone.