Status of Women committee  We've always had to use our creativity. It sounds like we're being encouraged to do that even more. Research that can go nowhere is not helpful. As for the terms and conditions, women have been meeting objectives in their project applications for a long time. That's not new. We're still at a loss; respectfully, we're still very much at a loss--but creativity?

Status of Women committee  I'm just agreeing with all of that. In terms of something that wouldn't have happened in the past, Nellie Nippard and the women of Gander would not have changed the parole board hearing regulations. Our justice system doesn't change because somebody within it thinks there's a good idea and equality is required.

Status of Women committee  Full participation of women in our society is what we all want. The way the terms and conditions are written, they certainly confuse us as to how this can be accomplished with women's program funding. Somehow, local women through local groups are going to be given something that enables them and enhances their ability for full participation.

Status of Women committee  Ah, the journey of equality for women in Canada. The Provincial Advisory Council of the Status of Women that I'm involved with does not receive, nor does it seek, Status of Women Canada funding. We're fully provincially funded to be the advocacy voice in our province. However, the grassroots women's organizations--the local status-of-women councils and other organizations that I've mentioned--in fact must seek the advocacy funding of Status of Women Canada in order to remove the systemic discrimination and move equality forward.

Status of Women committee  Thank you, Madam Chair. I'm at a bit of a disadvantage because I wear hearing aids and the loop system is not working. I'm going to be in and out and I'll do my best to hear you all. I am here from Newfoundland and Labrador. I come here with the women in the province with me in spirit.