There are just too many people who are falling into the cracks here. The majority of the people who were unemployed during this recession weren't able to get EI. They weren't able to qualify for it. We can't leave those people without some attention. We need to get them back into the workforce and to give them the kind of training, education, and support programs they need to be able to lead productive lives and contribute to the economy.

5:30 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Candice Bergen

Thank you very much.

Mr. Martin, you will have the final question.

5:30 p.m.

NDP

Tony Martin NDP Sault Ste. Marie, ON

Thank you.

In a week when south of the border we've seen the health care bill finally signed, against all odds, I was just wondering where in your study you see that kind of hope. Also, what might be the one or two things that you would suggest we tackle first?

5:30 p.m.

Ontario

Senator Hugh Segal

My colleague may disagree, and he's my chairman so I will defer, but I would say to move it on the disability front first. That has two benefits.

First of all, I don't think there's one Canadian in fifty who would differ with the notion that we can do a better job for the disabled, and that's a way of opening this discussion. Because if we can move on the disabled in a way that is fiscally responsible but socially humane and progressive, then of course people will say, well, if we can do that, what about the vast majority of those people who live beneath the poverty line who aren't disabled and have other difficulties? They'll say, “Why would we leave them out?”

In a democracy, building consensus is really important, and I think there's probably a stronger consensus around the disabled than there is around the larger question of the sort of income security proposition that is on the table.

5:30 p.m.

Ontario

Senator Art Eggleton

Picking up on that, first of all, I think we have to get this on the radar screen. One of the difficulties is that we go into election campaigns and poverty, housing, and homelessness never seem to make it onto the table for discussion. These are important issues, particularly for the most vulnerable people in our society, and I think we need to try to get more attention for this so that we can help develop some political will to do something.

Secondly, I would agree that the disabled are part of it, but I would say that all those people who are in the most vulnerable group should be our priority. Whether they're lone mothers or older single people, people past 50 or 55 who can't get employment now and find it hard to get training, or whether they're aboriginals, school dropouts, or newcomers, the most vulnerable people are the people who should get our attention first.

5:35 p.m.

NDP

Tony Martin NDP Sault Ste. Marie, ON

Thank you.

5:35 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Candice Bergen

Thank you.

Thank you so much, Senators, for being here as witnesses.

I also want to thank the committee members for helping us stay within the timelines and giving everybody a chance.

The information you provided was so helpful that I think we probably could have kept you here for another two hours.

Thank you, everyone. Our meeting is adjourned.