Sir, you made some very pertinent observations. In fact, our government wants to be prompt in responding to the expectations of employees who want to be protected in case their employer goes bankrupt. We know that Bill C-55 would award four weeks of salary, up to a maximum of $3,000.
Unfortunately, just as the parties were reaching an agreement, the Bloc Québécois backed out. At the same time, it proposed two amendments. This stopped us from making any progress, despite many attempts and much discussion between both parties. The Bloc Québécois is sticking to its position. However, we cannot accept their proposal.
We do not think that it is fair to allow an employer to invest several thousand dollars in his RRSP just a few minutes or a few hours before declaring bankruptcy. Now this is an amendment, and the others would like those funds to be liable to seizure. We are of the opposite view.
However, if the parties reach an agreement tomorrow morning, the bill could go through the first, second and third readings in the same day. It would then be sent to the Senate for an exhaustive, in-depth study, because it involves technical changes.