Sheila Malcolmson moved, — That, given the recent finding of gaps in shelter services by the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities in its 7th report entitled “Breaking the Cycle: A study on Poverty Reduction”, the Committee study the shelter and transition house system in Canada; that the study include an examination of the current gap between need and available beds and shelters and transition houses; that the study include an examination of current federal programs and funding in support of shelters and transition houses; that the study consider possible solutions to address the gap between need and supply; that the Committee report its findings to the House; that the meetings be televised; and that the Committee request a government response to its report.

After debate, the question was put on the motion and it was negatived, by a show of hands: YEAS: 1; NAYS: 5.

Pam Damoff moved, — That the Committee study Indigenous women’s access to and treatment in the Justice system; that the study include consideration of Indigenous women’s access to appropriate legal services; that the study include an examination of incarceration rates and penalties imposed on Indigenous women; that the study consider the treatment of Indigenous women within the Corrections system; that the Committee report its findings to the House; and that the Committee request a government response to its report.

After debate, the question was put on the motion and it was agreed to, by a show of hands: YEAS: 7; NAYS: 1.

Sheila Malcolmson gave notice of the following motion:

That the Committee study the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women, November 25, 2016, “Concluding observations on the combined eighth and ninth periodic reports of Canada” recommendations; that the study includes, but is not limited to, a consideration of the following subject areas outlined by the report:
1. Access to Justice
2. Socio-economic Conditions of Indigenous Women and Girls
3. Poverty and Housing Strategies
4. Women in Detention; and

that the Committee report its findings to the House; that the Committee request a government response to its report; and that these meetings be televised

On motion of Sheila Malcolmson, it was agreed, — That, in relation to the study of the economic security of women in Canada, the deadline to submit briefs be extended to Tuesday, August 15, 2017; and that the press release issued on Thursday, December 15, 2016, be re-issued to reflect the new deadline for the submission of briefs.

At 9:18 a.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 9:43 a.m., the sitting resumed.

Pierre J. Charest, Dominique Bérubé, Sheilagh Murphy and John Gartke made statements and answered questions.