Thank you, Mr. Chair.
The New Democratic Party supports the motion put forward by the Bloc Québécois.
I have had an opportunity to meet with some self-employed computer workers, and I know that this is a very real problem for them, despite the fact that these days self-employment is increasingly the norm. Having a meeting on the subject could provide us with information that could impact many other individuals, particularly in these difficult economic times, when more and more people will want to explore the possibility of self-employment. I think a meeting of this type is an opportunity we should not miss.
With respect to post-doctoral fellows, you need only to have met with some of them to understand their situation. In the past, when they received funding, it was always considered a scholarship, but all of a sudden, they are getting bills for thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. This is devastating, because they are just beginning their career.
Even though the motion came from the Bloc Québécois, I would suggest that the term “travailleur autonome” is perhaps more appropriate. As everyone knows, the ADQ is pro-autonomy, but the Bloc Québécois is pro-independence. I would suggest the word autonome nonetheless, unless it is supported by the future leader of the ADQ, the member for Beauce.