Debates of Dec. 7th, 2010

Tony Clement Minister of Industry

Mr. Speaker, as I already said, we have a reasonable, balanced position that will both protect the rights of Canadians and create a process for collecting useful information for our agency and the private sector.

That is our position. The hon. member should again stand in her place and describe to Canadians why she is in favour of having another system where they are threatened with jail time or fines to deliver this—

The Speaker Peter Milliken

The hon. member for Acadie—Bathurst.

Yvon Godin Acadie—Bathurst, NB

Mr. Speaker, an important EI pilot project for the people in areas of high unemployment ended Saturday. Reducing the hours needed to qualify for benefits can be the difference between going to the food bank and going to the grocery store. The economy is stalling. The private sector is cutting jobs. Most new jobs are part-time, leaving people short of hours if they lose their jobs.

Will the government acknowledge that many regions in Canada are still facing a job crisis and extend the important EI pilot project?

Diane Finley Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development

Mr. Speaker, this was a pilot project, an idea we decided to try out. That is why we try pilot projects, to see if they work or if they do not. This one did not. It did not achieve its goals and it was extremely expensive, not in the best interests of taxpayers' dollars.

We are focusing on helping people get back to work. That is our goal because we believe that people, when they get the training they need for the jobs of tomorrow, will get the jobs of tomorrow so they can look after their families.

Yvon Godin Acadie—Bathurst, NB

Mr. Speaker, it is disgraceful. What an answer.

Recent employment figures show that the private sector is cutting thousands of jobs while it is mainly part-time jobs that are being created. Under these circumstances, it is essential to extend the pilot project that enables people living in regions with high unemployment to qualify with 840 hours instead of 910.

Does the government realize that this project is needed by communities that depend on manufacturing, the fishery or major industrial sectors that are experiencing difficulties, or does the government just not care?

Diane Finley Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development

Mr. Speaker, we want to help people find jobs so that they can support their families. The best way to do that is to provide training so that they can develop the skills they need. What I find disappointing is that the NDP will not support our efforts to provide training for people. That is the disgrace.

Tilly O'Neill-Gordon Miramichi, NB

Mr. Speaker, the House of Commons tonight will vote on third reading of an important part of Canada's economic action plan, the strengthening Canada's economic recovery act. Tonight all parties will have an opportunity to support jobs, growth and opportunity in Canada.

Could the Minister of Finance tell the House why it is so critical that we pass this important legislation?

Kirsty Duncan Etobicoke North, ON

Mr. Speaker, first the Prime Minister broke his promise that he would compensate every Agent Orange victim. Then he arbitrarily denied compensation to the families of victims who died before 2006.

For the third time I will ask the same question: Will every cent of the promised $96 million go to the victims and their families?

Jean-Pierre Blackburn Minister of Veterans Affairs and Minister of State (Agriculture)

Mr. Speaker, insofar as agent orange is concerned, I want to remind the House that while people suffered, the government that preceded us never did anything to help them. When we took power, we decided to provide a $20,000 ex gratia payment to some 3,637 people. That being said, yes, the program has ended now, but we are busy looking at various things to see whether we could do more for these people.

Carole Lavallée Saint-Bruno—Saint-Hubert, QC

Mr. Speaker, copyright expert and president of the Association littéraire et artistique internationale, Ysolde Gendreau, told members of the legislative committee that Bill C-32 violates the international treaties signed by Canada. According to this leading academic, the bill introduces three exceptions that do not comply with the treaties: the education exemption, the YouTube exception and the reproduction for private purposes exception.

Does the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages understand that those are three more good reasons to significantly amend Bill C-32 so that creators are not only protected, but also compensated?

James Moore Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages

Mr. Speaker, the government's primary responsibility with respect to copyright is to ensure that piracy is illegal here in Canada. That is what we are proposing with Bill C-32. On the one hand, we have an obligation to protect our creative communities, and on the other hand, we have an obligation to protect the interests of consumers. That is why we are saying no to a new tax on consumers, a new tax on iPods, a new tax that affects everyone: creators and consumers. Our Bill C-32 is responsible and fair and it meets the needs of all Canadians.

Jean Crowder Nanaimo—Cowichan, BC

Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives cannot get their stories straight on travel and hospitality expenses.

Since 2006, officials at INAC have spent an astounding $67 million on overseas travel. Under the Conservatives, staff have visited exotic destinations such as the Falkland Islands, Senegal and Taiwan.

Before the minister recklessly freezes capital budgets, cuts services to communities or sunsets much-needed programs, will he first take some responsibility for his department's spending on overseas junkets?

Shelly Glover Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development

Mr. Speaker, we have to get the facts straight here.

Departmental employees are required to travel for a variety of reasons, including appearances before international bodies such as the United Nations, circumpolar meetings and international meetings on indigenous and northern issues. All employees travelling on government business are required to follow the Treasury Board directives.