Nancy Gardiner and Lisa Smylie made statements and, with Danielle Bélanger and Kim Gauvin, answered questions.

At 11:59 a.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 12:05 p.m., the sitting resumed in camera.

It was agreed, — That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the committee conduct a subject matter study of no less than eight meetings examining human trafficking of women, girls and gender-diverse individuals for sexual exploitation in Canada, including an examination of how to prevent the trafficking of individuals and ways to improve Canadian law enforcement’s capability to apprehend and prosecute perpetrators; that the study also consider how to empower victims and survivors to best reintegrate into society; that the committee hear from the appropriate minister(s); and the Special Advisor on Human Trafficking to hear of their plans for carrying out the new National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking; that the committee provide prioritized witness lists to the clerk before Monday, March 2, 2020; that the committee report its findings to the House; and that pursuant to Standing Order 109, the committee request a government response to its report.

It was agreed, — That the analysts provide an overview of recent studies on the issue of women’s representation in senior-making positions, including corporate boards.

At 12:30 p.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 12:31 p.m., the sitting resumed.

It was agreed, — That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the committee undertake a study examining the challenges faced by women living in rural communities, including, but not limited to (a) access to social services, (b) access to public safety and emergency services, (c) access to emergency shelters and violence against women shelters; that the study consider the different circumstances encompassed within rural communities; that the study acknowledge the unique circumstances of Indigenous women in rural communities; that the committee report its findings to the House; and that pursuant to Standing Order 109, the committee request a government response to its report.

It was agreed, — That the analysts provide an overview of recent studies on the issue of online hate and cyberbulling.

It was agreed, — That pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the committee undertake a study of barriers facing women in politics; that the evidence and documentation received by the committee during the 1st Session of the 42nd Parliament on the subject be taken into consideration by the committee in the current session; that the committee adopt the report entitled "Elect Her: A Roadmap for Improving the Representation of Women in Canadian Politics" adopted during the 1st Session of the 42nd Parliament; that, pursuant to Standing Order 109, the committee request the government to table a comprehensive response to the report; that dissenting or supplementary opinions be in Calibri 12-point font, left aligned, single-spaced, and be submitted electronically, in both official languages, to the clerk of the committee, not later than 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11, 2020.

It was agreed, — That all meetings other than those deemed in camera be webcast or televised when possible.

It was agreed, — That the Chair share the workplan for the study on Human Trafficking with the Vice-Chairs and the New Democratic Party member.

It was agreed, — That the committee meet on Thursday, February 27, 2020 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to study the Supplementary Estimates (B), 2019-20, and from 12:30 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. to discuss committee business.