We are now in session.
Welcome to the 46th meeting of the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs.
Today's meeting will take place in a hybrid format. We have with us witnesses who will be testifying in person and online.
Witnesses as well as committee members are asked to address their questions and comments to the chair.
Interpretation is available in French and English.
As per our routine motion, connection tests have been carried out with the witnesses.
We are conducting a study on the experience of women veterans.
Before we call our witnesses, I would like to provide this trigger warning. We will be discussing experiences related to mental health. This may be triggering to viewers, members or staff with similar experiences. If you feel distressed or need help, please advise the clerk.
I would now like to welcome our witnesses, who will have five minutes to make an opening statement. I will show some flexibility with the stopwatch.
Afterwards, committee members will take it in turns to ask questions.
Let me introduce our witnesses. Dr. Maya Eichler will be testifying via videoconference,
Canada research chair in social innovation and community engagement at Mount Saint Vincent University; from the National Association of Federal Retirees, Sayward Montague, director of advocacy; and from the Women Veterans Research and Engagement Network, Dr. Karen Breeck, co-chair.
We'll start with you, Dr. Eichler. You have five minutes for your opening remarks. Please open your microphone and begin.