Human Resources Committee on April 30th, 2013

[Joe Daniel, Conservative, Don Valley East, ON]

Do you feel there are any non-monetary incentives that could be undertaken to remove or disperse some of the existing barriers and misconceptions for people of that age group who are trying to find a position?

[Yves Gingras]

When it comes to non-monetary incentives, our evidence is clear that when they get older the workers are looking for a flexible work environment. It calls for employers to be listening too. Often we're talking about workers who are working for them. It's a matter of having a discussion with these workers to find a way to accommodate them so they can stay in the business.

When it comes to the unemployed, it's about finding ways.... Often these are accommodations that are not too expensive. We know that from studies on persons with disabilities, for example. The incidence of disabilities among older workers is quite high and rising, and for employers it presents a challenge. We're talking non-monetary ways to accommodate part-time work, allowing people to deal with an episodic or chronic disability.

There are ways that employers can offer a flexible work environment, and this is the number one factor that will allow people to stay in the labour market.

[The Chair, Conservative, Ed Komarnicki]

Thank you, Mr. Daniels. Your time is up.

Colleagues, I see we've been making good time. The clock has remained at 11 o'clock for the last 35 minutes.

We're going to conclude with Mr. Cuzner, if he has any questions.

[Rodger Cuzner, Liberal, Cape Breton—Canso, NS]

I'm okay.

[The Chair, Conservative, Ed Komarnicki]

You're okay? All right.

Thank you very much for taking time to appear before us. We certainly appreciate the information.

We'll take a brief suspension and then we'll deal with some committee business.

[The Chair, Conservative, Ed Komarnicki]

I'll get the attention of the members for a moment.

We have a motion from Ms. Charlton that she'd like to present.

I think we have unanimous consent, but maybe you want just to speak to it, or move it.

[Chris Charlton, NDP, Hamilton Mountain, ON]

Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.

I have been in discussions with the other parties at the table about this motion. I think there is unanimous consent, but let me read the motion for the record.

I move:

That the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities undertake a study on opportunities for Aboriginal persons in the workforce, and the supports available to them through the federal government including the Aboriginal Skills, Employment and Training Strategy (ASETS) which is up for renewal in 2015; and that this study begin after the summer adjournment.

[The Chair, Conservative, Ed Komarnicki]

Does everyone agree with that?

[Some hon. members]

Agreed.

[The Chair, Conservative, Ed Komarnicki]

Seeing unanimity, then that's indeed what we'll do. The motion then passes.

(Motion agreed to)

[Chris Charlton, NDP, Hamilton Mountain, ON]

Thank you very much.

[The Chair, Conservative, Ed Komarnicki]

With that, the meeting is adjourned.