Ms. Davis, you believe that when replacement workers are used, the balance is upset. That is not true, particularly when the labour dispute is on a national scale.
First of all, Bill C-257 does not cover essential services. How are we to maintain essential services on a national scale? Must we establish them in every subgroup of workers? How would that work? Any small group of employees has the power to paralyze the economy. A small subgroup goes on strike in an airport, which then must shut down, and air transportation is suspended across the country. That would be a good example for another small group that provides service to passengers on board trains. It applies to the tiniest component of any service that we would find in this country. Internet service is suspended, and the economy of the entire country is paralyzed.
This is not an issue of minor importance, it is major. We must be able to maintain this balance by allowing the use of replacement workers. I repeat, striking employees, once the strike is over, return to their jobs. They are not fired; they are obliged to resume their duties. An employee who refuses to work during a strike cannot be penalized by the employer. The employee is protected by the current legislation.
I remind you of the importance of viewing things from a national perspective. What will we do if the baggage handlers are on strike and there is no more air transportation in the country at some point? How long can we allow that to last? How long can the country run that way? How long can we function if we cannot go to the bank? A day, two days, three days, three months, three years? How long?
That is what you, the members of Parliament, will be facing if you pass this legislation. That is what will happen. That is why it is important to maintain this balance. The current legislation is balanced. There was consensus between the parties, and at the time, the Liberal government and the Conservatives agreed. Everyone felt that, indeed, it made sense. All of a sudden, the Liberals were able... I do not know what the current leader's position is, but I appeal to him to bring people back to order. Recess is over; this is a serious debate.