Mr. Chair, I want to start by making a clarification before I turn it over to Ryan Cowling for an explanation.
There are dependent contractors and independent contractors, so there's a distinction in the code. I know we want to get into the amendments, but I just want to clarify,
Mr. Boulerice, I know that you are familiar with the distinction between these two terms, but I would like to explain it to all the people around the table.
At present, the bill makes this distinction. The purpose of the amendment to the Canada Labour Code is to specify that contractors may continue to do their work if they were hired before the notice to bargain, as they were previously doing it. For example, if they were working three days a week, they will be able to continue working three days a week, since that is not the work of the employees on strike or locked out. That is an important nuance.
I am now going to give the floor to Mr. Cowling, who will be able to explain the difference between independent contractors and dependent contractors. It is important to explain the difference between the terms used in the bill, because that is to some extent the reason why these amendments are being proposed.