No cost estimate has been done because this type of labour dispute usually is resolved. However, there are exceptions. In this case, we are talking about 450 workers who were deprived of EI benefits. I have not done the math, but perhaps I could ask the Committee to do that. I do not think we are talking about exorbitant amounts of money. As I say, 450 unemployed workers for 50 weeks. Without wanting to offend anyone, I would just like to point out that the Conservative government is planning to remove some $19 billion in Employment Insurance contributions over the next four years. We know full well that the government has some $55 or $60 billion in the EI fund. I am confident that we can meet the objectives laid out in Bill C-395, which does not represent exorbitant amounts of money. Other bills designed to enhance the Employment Insurance system have also been tabled—for instance, one that proposes to abolish the waiting period. Despite the cost of these measures, there will be a perfectly adequate surplus in the Employment Insurance fund for the government to be able to use this money as it sees fit, as it has been doing for the last several years to reduce the deficit or for other purposes.
On April 21st, 2010. See this statement in context.