Justice committee  You've asked me a question about whether this would actually address that. I think it's important that you let me answer that, because—

Justice committee  But in fact, that's why I'm supporting this, because this addresses all of those concerns.

Justice committee  There will still be some fear, but this very clause that you've raised, or what is in clause 17, is one of the very reasons I support it. It allows women to testify as a witness and not have their identities disclosed. That's a very positive step. It's a very positive step to b

Justice committee  Well, part of the reason women go to court now.... When they go to court and perjure themselves or don't show up, it's because they're so fearful of telling the truth. They are fearful of what's going to happen when he's released from jail, if he's even convicted. That's what the

Justice committee  It's page 17, not clause 17.

Justice committee  I'm sorry.

Justice committee  Thank you. I appreciate that.

Justice committee  Thank you, Mr. Chairman and members of the committee. I am very grateful for the opportunity to appear before you today as a women's and victims' rights advocate to speak in favour of Bill C-32. I think it's really timely that I'm here today, particularly in light of the victim

Justice committee  I'm so glad to come back to you on that because I had one squeezy little answer on your choice thing too. Prostitution is inherently violent. We've heard that consistently from every woman we've worked with. It will not make it more violent to criminalize johns and pimps. Again,

Justice committee  It is a really important question, and what I would like to see is governments at all levels, and all parties, investing more in equality rights for women. That's the very reason we are all here advocating for the passage of Bill C-36, with the exception of those amendments we've

Justice committee  Well, I think there could never be too much of a good thing, of consultations. Clearly I'm of the opinion that the chairman today only gave me five minutes and not the full ten. I had that speech timed to the minute, but—

Justice committee  Oh, I'm just teasing.

Justice committee  Many of us did have the opportunity to meet with individual MPs in advance of today, many around this table today. We've also had numerous phone calls and things like that. But, of course, we would like many more hours of consultation to convince you of our views.

Justice committee  Further to that comment and as you know, I think the delegates who have appeared before you are almost unanimously recommending that women not be criminalized. In addition, there will be no big, miraculous differences tomorrow morning, or once the bill is passed. This is about lo

Justice committee  Yes. In fact, we believe the $20 million is to accommodate the exit programs, the police training, and the public awareness campaigns.