Thank you very much.
There's also another item on the agenda regarding the study on menopause, and we will address that right away, as well.
If members of the public wish to submit briefs and comments on this matter, we give them the opportunity to do so until September 30, as usual. Since everyone seems to agree on this, we have covered all the points regarding the study on menopause. We're ready to begin it, but we won't start it today. September 30 is the deadline, but I forgot to mention that submissions are limited to two pages, or approximately 1,000 words.
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, as usual.
To ensure an orderly meeting, 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 members on Zoom, please use the “raise hand” function.
For those on Zoom, you can select at the bottom of your screen the appropriate channel for interpretation: English, French or floor. For those in the room, you can use the earpiece in front of you and select the desired channel. I want to remind the witnesses that members of the committee can ask their questions in French or English. If interpretation is needed, please take a moment immediately to select the desired channel. That will save us valuable seconds.
I remind you that all comments by members and witnesses should be addressed through the chair, but since I don't want to disrupt the flow, participants don't have to address me directly. They can address the members who are asking them questions directly. That will make the discussion flow more smoothly.
Before we welcome our witnesses, I would 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 members of Parliament, it's important to recognize that these are difficult discussions, so let's all try to be as compassionate as possible.
I will now welcome the witnesses.
I will now welcome our witnesses. We have, from Faye Peterson House, Debbie Zweep, executive director.
From SOS violence conjugale, we are welcoming Claudine Thibaudeau, who is the lead for issues involving intimate partner violence.
From the Women's Centre for Social Justice, we have Nneka MacGregor, executive director; and Sonya Boyce, director of stakeholder outreach and engagement.
Welcome. We will begin with opening remarks.
Ms. Zweep, the floor is yours for five minutes.
Thank you.