There is a lot of concern when people hear about arm's-length organizations, particularly dealing with something as important as employment insurance. There's also support for the idea that there should be a separate fund that would be responsible for parts of the administration of employment insurance, i.e., premium setting.
One assumes and understands that the ultimate responsibility for employment insurance benefits would still rest with Parliament, but we need to find out exactly what the government has in mind with this crown corporation, because it does send some shudders down the backs of a lot of people across Canada. I think it would be helpful not only to this committee but also to the Government of Canada if we had some public hearings at this committee to find out from the minister, the department, others from labour, workers' groups, and business what they think about this idea and what they'd like to see involved in it. That would be my view.
I want to give one caveat, Mr. Chair. I think it's very important that we embark on the poverty study. This is something we've needed to do for a long time. I'm not suggesting we do this on Thursday, next Tuesday, or next week. I would be prepared to have this adopted by the committee as part of our work plan at some point in the near future. I think it's very important that we, with all expeditiousness, embark on the poverty study, and I do want to fit this in at some point in time. I think it's something a lot of people would like to see done.