Norma Dubé, Roxanne Fairweather, Dawn Wilson, Sylvie Asselin, Marjolaine Gilbert, Natalie Pon and Louise Cordeau, by videoconference from Québec, Quebec, made statements and answered questions.

At 5:30 p.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 5:36 p.m., the sitting resumed.

Susan Torosian, Carole Saab and Yolaine Kirlew made statements and, with Jeff Merrett, answered questions.

At 6:32 p.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 6:34 p.m., the sitting resumed in camera.

It was agreed, — That the Committee study, for the duration of eight meetings, the system of transition houses and shelters serving women and children affected by violence against women and intimate partner violence; that the study include an examination of the current gap between need and available beds in 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; and that the Committee request a government response to its report.

It was agreed, — That, in relation to the study of the system of transition houses and shelters serving women and children affected by violence against women and intimate partner violence, each party provide a prioritized list of witnesses to the Clerk of the Committee no later than Wednesday, August 15, 2018; and that the analysts prepare a draft work plan to be distributed by the end of September 2018.

It was agreed, — That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the Committee undertake a study that is four to six meetings in length on the treatment of women within the Department of National Defence; that the Committee use a gender-based lens to examine the prevalence of sexual harassment, and whether the current actions, programs and resources provided by the department are adequate to combat sexual harassment in the armed forces; that the Committee report its recommendations and findings to the House; and that the government provide a response to the recommendations made by the committee.

It was agreed, — That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the Standing Committee on the Status of Women undertake a study to examine the challenges faced by senior women with a focus on the factors contributing to their poverty and vulnerability, including, but not limited to:

• Access to transportation
• Access to health services and medication
• Cost of home and health services
• Access to affordable housing
• Access to justice
• Widowhood

That the Committee conduct this study over the course of eight meetings, report its findings to the House, and request a government response to its report.