Senator Yussuff: Thank you for your question, Senator Boisvenu. The reality of domestic violence is a societal issue, and society has to bear the full cost of domestic violence. It can’t be women in this country and throughout the world who have been at the forefront of this struggle — it’s fundamental that the state take responsibility to address domestic violence. Senator Boisvenu’s point of using the EI system to ensure women can access income during this period of difficulty is fundamental to bringing quality to the suffering of domestic violence.

(On motion of Senator Duncan, debate adjourned.)

[Translation]

On the Order:

Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Bovey, seconded by the Honourable Senator Cordy, for the second reading of Bill S-208, An Act respecting the Declaration on the Essential Role of Artists and Creative Expression in Canada.