Status of Women committee  In terms of checking it every day, there is nothing like personal contact to be in a position to understand what is being discussed. I could cite the example of the women who work in shelters. If you want to be sure that they get a message, it is better to call them on the telephone than it is to send them an e-mail, because they are extremely busy.

Status of Women committee  I just want to add that all the examples I gave you could not be achieved today. We could no longer go and explain to the Government of Quebec or the federal government that abused women are afraid to press charges, for example, and that they cannot actually exercise their rights, even though those rights exist and are protected under the Criminal Code.

Status of Women committee  First of all, it is obvious that with only four offices, SWC officers will be nowhere near the communities they will be called upon to serve. So, we are certainly talking about a loss of knowledge. I am sure that there will be a learning curve for officers in Quebec, if they have to provide services in new areas.

Status of Women committee  Canada adopted a Charter of Rights and Freedoms, it also signed international conventions under which it has an obligation to treat men and women equally. Equality is not something that is supposed to be realized gradually; it is an immediate obligation for all the signatory governments.

Status of Women committee  Madam Chair, ladies and gentlemen members of the Committee, thank you for giving the Regroupement provincial des maisons d'hébergement et de transition pour femmes victimes de violence conjugale the opportunity to present its views today. I speak today on behalf of 48 member facilities located in 16 of the 17 administrative regions of Quebec.