Debates of June 8th, 2001

Charlie Penson Peace River, AB

Mr. Speaker, the examiner states “The thirteen lines of writing on the questioned document were written with speed, rhythm and consistency with the exception of the numerals 1-9-9-3 appearing on line 6”.

She also states “From the tremor and retouching on the strokes of the four digits 1-9-9-3, it appears that extensions have been added to the first two digits 1 and 9...it appears that the second 9 was changed...the number 3 also appears to have been retouched” and the entry changed”. When will they table the original document?

Herb Gray Deputy Prime Minister

Mr. Speaker, I repeat that the Prime Minister has said that the copy tabled in the House is that of the original document. I think that the Prime Minister is entitled to be taken at his word.

If the hon. member does not agree let him go outside the House with that so-called document. Also, as I said, let him unleash his examiner on the membership lists of the Alliance Party, starting with Quebec and going across the country.

Raymonde Folco Parliamentary Secretary to Minister of Human Resources Development

Mr. Speaker, since the employment insurance reform, the system has covered all workers from their first hour of work and first dollar earned.

This is the legislation that allowed us to deliver programs more easily to Canadians. However, there are always situations in which workers cannot accumulate sufficient hours to be entitled to employment insurance, and we are looking at this problem now.

Paul Crête Kamouraska—Rivière-Du-Loup—Témiscouata—Les Basques, QC

Mr. Speaker, it is true they start paying premiums from their first hour of work, but the House employees this year are not entitled to employment insurance benefits because of the elections, which deprived them of work for several weeks.

Does the government not understand that, when seasonal workers do not have the hours to qualify for employment insurance, it is not because of a lack of effort, it is because they are the victims of external forces?

Does it not understand that there are thousands of cases like that of the employees of the House of Commons, and we want them corrected?

Martin Cauchon Minister of National Revenue and Secretary of State (Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec)

Mr. Speaker, what the Bloc does not understand is that it is not the fault of the members on this side of the House if the bill that helps all workers was delayed. The decision was purely political.

Martin Cauchon Outremont, QC

Second, on this side of the House, we believe in a balanced approach.

Martin Cauchon Outremont, QC

We established an annual report, which the commission will table. This annual report will ensure that the law will continue to evolve. We believe in regional economic development.

Martin Cauchon Outremont, QC

Tell us, while the member for Charlevoix was saying that seasonal work adjustment measures were possible, when the people on this side of the House work to increase work—