I call this meeting to order.
Good morning, everyone.
Welcome to meeting number 41 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 resume its study of women's shelters and transitional housing.
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.
To ensure that the meeting runs smoothly, I would like to make a few comments for the benefit of members and witnesses. We are not terribly strict, but certain instructions should be followed.
Please wait until I recognize you by name before speaking. For members in the room, if you wish to speak, please raise your hand. For interpretation, you can use the earpiece and select the desired channel.
I would like to remind witnesses that committee members may ask their questions in French or English. If you will need interpretation, please take a moment now to prepare your earpiece and select the listening channel so that we can save precious minutes and seconds.
I remind you that all comments by members and witnesses should be addressed through the chair. However, I won't break the pace of a conversation between members and witnesses.
Before we welcome our witnesses, I'd like to provide this trigger warning. We will be discussing topics related to gender-based violence. This may be triggering to viewers with similar experiences. If any participants feel distressed or need help, please advise the clerk. For all witnesses and for all members of Parliament, it is important to recognize that these are difficult discussions. Let's try to be compassionate, as we always are in our conversations.
I will now welcome our witnesses.
From the Alberta Council of Women's Shelters, we have Catherine Champagne, executive director. We have, from Lanark County Interval House and Community Support, Erin Lee, executive director. Welcome.
We will begin with opening statements.
Ms. Champagne, the floor is yours for five minutes.
I apologize, Ms. Ménard, I didn't notice that you had your hand up. The floor is yours.