I call the meeting back to order.
I would like to make a few comments for the benefit of 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 are not speaking.
If you wish to speak, please raise your hand. For those on Zoom, please use the raise hand function.
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.
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 so as not to waste precious seconds.
A reminder that all comments should be addressed through the chair. However, as you may have noticed, I don't take part in the discussions. I just stop them when the time is up.
I will now welcome our witnesses.
From Mercer Advocates Law Professional Corporation, we have Kirsten Mercer, lawyer and gender-based violence policy expert.
From the safe house and service hub for survivors of sex trafficking in York region, we have Carol Wildgoose, team lead.
Finally, from Women's Support Network of York Region, we have Dr. Jacqueline Benn-John, executive director.
Welcome to all.
We will begin the opening statements with Ms. Mercer.
The floor is yours for five minutes, Madame.