Human Resources committee  With pregnant women, yes, we have received some appeals on behalf of women who were supposed to return to work following maternity leave but whose positions had been eliminated. I have to say that the Act Respecting Labour Standards protects pregnant women very well. It makes presumptions in their favour that protect their jobs.

Human Resources committee  In cases of psychological harassment, the complainant has not necessarily quit his job. But it does cause a rupture in the working relationship, or, then again, the person may have to go on medical leave. In general, the crisis has an impact on workers. At our information service, we have noticed an increase in appeals from people who have been laid off, and we are there to defend them.

Human Resources committee  I do not have the data on employment insurance, but I know that studies dealing with it have been published. They tell us that, for immigrants, especially women, the more recent the immigration, the less stable their situation and therefore, the lower the income. A male immigrant who has been in Canada for less than five years is slightly better off than a woman in the same situation.

Human Resources committee  Perfect.

Human Resources committee  In conclusion, minimum wage is keeping workers in poverty. A person who works 40 hours a week is approximately 23% below the poverty line. According to Statistics Canada, that is before taxes, and for a single person. We are calling for minimum wage in Quebec and the rest of Canada to be increased to the poverty line.

Human Resources committee  Yes.

Human Resources committee  Okay. We will also give the clerk our comments on the reform of the Canada Labour Code. Would you like us to send our speaking notes? They discuss our recommendations, and even go into more detail in some cases.

Human Resources committee  Good morning. First, I thank you for inviting us, and I must say that unfortunately, we did not bring a brief. We were invited to participate only at the end of last week. If necessary, we would have no problem sending in a document. Au bas de l'échelle is an organization that defends the rights of non-unionized workers.