Thank you, Mr. Chair.
It's an honour to be joining the members of the committee. I'd like to recognize, in particular, Mr. Desnoyers and Ms. Minna, who are my labour critics and work very well with me on a number of issues. It's a great opportunity to be here with all of you to address the labour programs component of HRSD's report on plans and priorities.
As Minister of Labour, I recognize that my portfolio is one that new Canadians turn to for assistance and service excellence—particularly in challenging economic times.
I would like to begin by emphasizing the importance of the workplace—where Canadian creativity and innovation thrives.
Our government recognizes that our nation's economic wealth is generated by millions of Canadians in many workplaces, both large and small, that comprise Canada's economy. A well-functioning workplace is one in which workers are safe and treated fairly, where productivity is high, and where employers and employees cooperate in a spirit of mutual respect.
By building and sustaining such workplaces, the economy as a whole benefits and Canada's prosperity is enhanced.
Given the importance of the workplace to the economy and the economic challenges facing us today, it is more important than ever to ensure that businesses and workers have the tools they need to succeed in the current economy and enjoy renewed prosperity in the years to come.
As you know, the mandate of the Minister of Labour is to foster safe, fair, and productive workplaces and cooperative workplace relations. This mandate is discharged directly in those sectors over which the federal government has jurisdiction as well as nationally and internationally through collaboration with the provinces and territories and with other countries and multilateral organizations.
It is in each of these areas that we are working to deliver on our mandate and meeting our goals. I'd like to describe for you now some of the labour program's recent achievements and demonstrate how these investments in programs and services support hard-working Canadians and contribute to a more prosperous Canada.
First and foremost, our government supports Canadian workers, and we are providing new financial safeguards for workers in these uncertain economic times. Our government's wage earner protection program provides compensation for owed wages when an employer is declared bankrupt or subject to receivership. The WEPP provides workers with guaranteed and timely payment of eligible wages, which include salaries, commissions, and vacation pay. Now with our economic action plan, the program is enhanced to include termination pay and also severance pay.
We recognize that hard-working Canadians face very real challenges when their employers go bankrupt, and through this program our government is ensuring that we provide assistance to Canadian workers facing financial pressure due to job loss during this difficult time.
Secondly, as Canadians would expect, we are taking additional steps to ensure that workplaces are safe, secure and fair for workers. Canada is built on a promise of opportunity and hard work. Inclusive workplaces are central to a productive economy and a cohesive society. Workplaces should reflect the increasing diversity of Canada, in order to ensure that the talents of all workers can be fully developed.
Our government is committed to working towards workplaces that are fair, safe and productive so that all workers can contribute to our shared prosperity. Individuals should be able to get jobs and promotions based on their abilities, free from discrimination.
That is why our government is implementing the Racism-Free Workplace Strategy, which is a key component of the government's A Canada for All: Canada's Action Plan Against Racism. This strategy ensures that Canadian workers are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve in a productive and inclusive workplace.
A third area of important activity is our role in supporting cooperative workplace relations. The labour program offers an extensive range of preventive mediation and grievance mediation services aimed at resolving workplace differences and improving industrial relations. Today, nine out of ten collective bargaining disputes in federally regulated workplaces are settled without a work stoppage, often with some kind of conciliation or mediation help.
So far I've shared with you an overview of some of the labour program's key activities to support our future economic growth. I would also like to highlight for you a couple of new initiatives we will be undertaking over the coming year. As you may know, one of my priorities is modernizing part III of the Canada Labour Code, which establishes labour standards in the federal jurisdiction. In fact, consultations are now currently under way. We are facing challenging economic circumstances and now, more than ever, it is important that labour standards remain relevant and effective. Given the profound changes that have occurred in the labour market since 1965, the year part III of the Labour Code was first enacted, we want to ensure that federal-jurisdiction employers are supported in their efforts to run efficient businesses and effectively deploy workforces in rapidly changing market conditions. Equally important is ensuring that federal-jurisdiction employees have supportive work environments and can engage in productive work while still balancing their family lives and civic responsibilities.
It is in all our interests to ensure we have modern and flexible labour standards that can support economic prosperity for Canadians now and in the future.
I will turn now to another area of activity for the coming year that I would like to highlight for you—our international efforts. International labour agreements help level the playing field for Canadian enterprises and open up trade and investment opportunities.
Labour cooperation agreements, negotiated alongside free trade agreements, help protect employers and employees from unfair competition. They also help us make sure that fundamental labour standards are respected so economic growth can be achieved in a fair and sustainable manner.
Last year Canada concluded labour cooperation agreements with the governments of Peru, Colombia, and Jordan. These agreements are the most comprehensive agreements linking trade and labour ever negotiated by Canada, and have raised the bar with respect to the rights and obligations that the parties have undertaken. These agreements have also provided a template for future negotiations.
In concluding my remarks, let me state again the importance of the workplace to Canada's prosperity. This is where our nation's wealth is generated. It's also where many working-age Canadians spend a significant part of their lives.
I will continue to explore ways in which my portfolio can provide support to Canadians. We are fully committed to ensuring that Canadian workplaces are safe, healthy, and productive; that Canadian businesses remain competitive and strong; and that employees and employers are able to succeed in these challenging economic times.
Thank you, Mr. Chair. I look forward to questions.