Evidence of meeting #50 for Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities in the 40th Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was c-50.
A recording is available from Parliament.
4:35 p.m.
Bloc
Yves Lessard Bloc Chambly—Borduas, QC
Are you willing to recognize that the industry that covers all of Quebec and is represented by Mr. Chevrette is very representative?
4:35 p.m.
Vice-President, Public Relations and International Trade, Forest Products Association of Canada
Mr. Chevrette and the other members who are not part of our association.
4:35 p.m.
Bloc
4:35 p.m.
Vice-President, Public Relations and International Trade, Forest Products Association of Canada
Yes, I know.
4:35 p.m.
Bloc
Yves Lessard Bloc Chambly—Borduas, QC
So you are aware that just as regards the bill, there is a split in the position of the forestry industry in Canada and that of Quebec.
4:35 p.m.
Vice-President, Public Relations and International Trade, Forest Products Association of Canada
In my opinion, no. Our members who operate in Quebec agree with the bill.
4:35 p.m.
Bloc
Yves Lessard Bloc Chambly—Borduas, QC
The exchange we've just had is very enlightening in that regard.
I also find the argument put forward by the representatives of the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada very interesting. Mr. Rocheleau, you work at the Shell refinery. How many workers are in that refinery?
4:35 p.m.
Rank and File Board Member, Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada
There are 350 unionized workers.
4:35 p.m.
Rank and File Board Member, Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada
4:35 p.m.
Bloc
4:35 p.m.
Rank and File Board Member, Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada
Correct.
4:35 p.m.
Bloc
Yves Lessard Bloc Chambly—Borduas, QC
There is a seniority clause. Have there been layoffs at Shell in the past five years?
4:35 p.m.
Rank and File Board Member, Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada
4:35 p.m.
Rank and File Board Member, Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada
Yes, when there isn't a crisis such as the one we have now.
4:35 p.m.
Bloc
Yves Lessard Bloc Chambly—Borduas, QC
Is it fair to think that when there will be layoffs, the last people hired at Shell will be the first to be laid off?
October 20th, 2009 / 4:35 p.m.
Rank and File Board Member, Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada
It depends what is going to happen, what we know and what is hanging over our heads. If the refinery is closed, the 350 workers will be laid off.
4:35 p.m.
Rank and File Board Member, Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada
You would have to ask the company to tell us. Since this summer it has placed a sword of Damocles above our heads, saying that it will get back to us, without ever giving us a date. So I cannot answer you.
4:35 p.m.
Bloc
Yves Lessard Bloc Chambly—Borduas, QC
This exercise is quite enlightening and I am not trying to set you up. You represent the union and you have a sound overall grasp of the situation. We are trying to find out which workers are targeted by this bill.
This afternoon, you implied in your presentation that some workers may be affected. Specifically, you said that 190,000 jobs would be affected. You also said—and you made no secret of this fact—that you are a candidate for the NDP party. Therefore, the Conservative-NDP bill now before the committee...We asked the government, officials, the minister, the deputy minister—in short everyone, including your NDP colleagues—where this figure of 190,000 individuals affected comes from.
And now again today, we are hearing the same figure from you, an NDP candidate and union official. Where does the figure originate?
4:35 p.m.
Rank and File Board Member, Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada
I said it could help people, that this was the figure announced.
4:35 p.m.
Bloc
Yves Lessard Bloc Chambly—Borduas, QC
You stated your position. However, you also quoted a figure. You said that 190,000 people would be affected. How did you arrive at that figure? I know you well enough to know that you do not usually give out figures like that. How is it that the Conservatives and your party are so confident about the number of people affected?
4:35 p.m.
Rank and File Board Member, Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada
We estimated that about 190,000 people would be affected. This is probably not the exact number. No one seems to know for certain. After reviewing everything and trying to understand the numbers, I still haven't found out exactly how many people will benefit from this initiative. I know that some people in our region, people who belong to other union locals, will be losing their job shortly...