Thank you, Mr. Chair.
First of all, I would like to thank you for coming here today to make a presentation to this committee.
I would like to ask Ms. Cutler a question about older workers. Some industries and companies have realized the benefits to be gained in hiring these persons, but many have yet to understand this.
You talked about the whole issue of discrimination. Discrimination is illegal in Canada; it is against the law. However, we know that people are not talking about it. When they must chose, companies are discriminating and pleading any given pretext to do so, even though they should not do this.
Would it be possible for your organization to do a better job in having companies all over the country to get the message that there are benefits to be gained in hiring workers who have some experience, given the fact that they have a lot to contribute to newer and much younger employees?
With your indulgence, I will immediately ask a second question. It deals with your comment on the announcement of $70 million that was made last week. I understood your message and I know that you represent all persons who are 50 years and older in this country. Do you understand that there are, everywhere in this country, what we call single- industry towns and villages? In these communities, it is all very well to train people aged 55 plus, but there are no other jobs for them. The announcement does not cover these people; it only covers a few industries and not all regions of this country.
What happens to these people when there is only one industry? You can train them, but what will they do after receiving their training? Even some towns with a population of 10,000 are single-industry towns. What can we do when this industry is shut down overnight?