I am coming back to the question I did not pursue earlier which you were unable to answer.
Last May, the Government of Manitoba introduced a policy called “All Aboard". Yesterday, we were told that a modern approach to poverty consisted primarily in ensuring that people have a place to live. We were told that a place to live is essential to the stability of individuals and families. I find that very interesting. We have to start somewhere.
I warn you up front that I am going to play devil's advocate a bit. That is not to say that I do not believe in the current approach. However, you are going to enlighten us so that we learn how to do things differently. An undertaking was made in 1989. The MPs back then were honest, confident people. Yet we see that it all ended in failure. Today, it is like we are handing over to the federal government a solution based on the principle whereby if the problem is left to the provinces alone, they will not necessarily use the money wisely. That is what I get from the exercise we are engaged in here this morning. If I am wrong, please tell me.
Most of the progress that has been made in terms of eliminating poverty can be attributed to provincial initiatives. I spoke to you about Quebec, but there is also Newfoundland and Labrador. Every time, there was opposition to the federal government throwing weight around. I will use an example that is very familiar to me. I am not saying it's perfect in Quebec. We have a daycare system. Quebec had to take responsibility for the system all on its own. It still pays for the system. The federal government launched a daycare project but then abandoned it. As madam pointed out earlier, we cannot change measures every time there is a change in government.
The federal government has not been involved in social housing for 10 years. Only two provinces have poverty legislation. Cuts are being made to literacy programs. The provinces are taking on that task alone, at least the ones that are doing it. Quebec has pay equity legislation, for and against the federal government. It also has a minimum wage law. Quebec has put in place measures to offset cuts in Employment Insurance. There, too, it is going it all alone. Other provinces have taken similar measures. There is a Young Offenders Act. The federal government passed a law so that it would disrupt Quebec's legislation. I have to say something today about violence against women. Tomorrow is the 20th anniversary of the École polytechnique massacre. That is only one example, but how many women are killed each year? More than were killed at the École polytechnique. It's a symbol. As far as violence goes, we can see what is happening at the federal level. All we need do is look at the current Firearms Act.
Am I preaching to the converted? I told you that I would be playing devil's advocate in order to challenge you a bit on this approach. Are we repeating the exercise for nothing? The legislation and measures governments have adopted are at cross purposes with what needs to be done to eliminate poverty.
Quebec has established a social economy system. As Mr. Reimer said, this legislation establishes and sets parameters for the entire social economy system. I am telling you all this so that I can force things a little bit, find out what you think and what needs to be done differently so that the entire exercise is productive. I know enough of my colleagues here today individually. Yesterday, I heard a remark from our chair about what needed to be said and done.
Is that going to be implemented? I am sure that my colleagues and I are going to make good recommendations, but it remains to be seen whether they are going to be implemented.
Otherwise, what has to be done?