Chair, what I can say is that this doesn't fall under my area of responsibility. I would say that this is a public safety question. Obviously, the Labour Code applies—

12:05 p.m.

Bloc

Marilène Gill Bloc Côte-Nord—Kawawachikamach—Nitassinan, QC

We will have that information in writing.

12:05 p.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal Bobby Morrissey

Thank you Mrs. Gill.

We will move to Mr. Genuis for five minutes.

12:05 p.m.

Conservative

Garnett Genuis Conservative Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, AB

Thank you, Chair.

Minister, is the government planning to increase EI premiums in the coming year?

12:05 p.m.

Liberal

Patty Hajdu Liberal Thunder Bay—Superior North, ON

No. There's an annual process that the EI commissioners undergo, so we'll have more to say.

12:05 p.m.

Conservative

Garnett Genuis Conservative Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, AB

It's ultimately the decision of the government. I know that there's a process by which recommendations are made.

Just to understand your response, are you saying that no decision has been made yet, or are you saying that the government will not increase EI premiums?

12:05 p.m.

Liberal

Patty Hajdu Liberal Thunder Bay—Superior North, ON

What I'm saying is that we will wait to hear what the commission says.

12:05 p.m.

Conservative

Garnett Genuis Conservative Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, AB

So you're not prepared to rule out an EI premium increase.

12:05 p.m.

Liberal

Patty Hajdu Liberal Thunder Bay—Superior North, ON

What I would say is that the chief actuary will advise the government. We will listen to the experts and determine the next steps at that time.

12:05 p.m.

Conservative

Garnett Genuis Conservative Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, AB

The government will make a political decision, ultimately, in response to whatever feedback they get. It sounds like you're saying that you would be open to either possibility, based on the advice you get. Is that correct?

12:05 p.m.

Liberal

Patty Hajdu Liberal Thunder Bay—Superior North, ON

What I would say is that the commissioners set the rate. We will have more to say in September when that happens.

12:05 p.m.

Conservative

Garnett Genuis Conservative Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, AB

Okay. I would say, based on the situation in the economy and the challenges around employing people, that it would be a terrible time to increase EI premiums. I'm sure you'll be hearing more feedback on that.

Has Shaykh Ibrahim Memon Madani, or affiliated organization Darul Uloom Canada in Amherstburg, received funding from your department?

12:05 p.m.

Liberal

Patty Hajdu Liberal Thunder Bay—Superior North, ON

I would not know that. I would have to ask the department to look into that information.

12:05 p.m.

Conservative

Garnett Genuis Conservative Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, AB

Okay. There may be a funding agreement signed in October 2025 with that organization. I'd appreciate it if you could get back to the committee in writing on that. Would you be able to do that?

12:05 p.m.

Liberal

Patty Hajdu Liberal Thunder Bay—Superior North, ON

Yes.

12:10 p.m.

Conservative

Garnett Genuis Conservative Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, AB

Okay. Thank you, Minister.

I had previously asked you about how the budget pulls student grants for students at career colleges. You noted that this budget change could be reversed or partially reversed through a ministerial exemption. Can you clarify whether the government is planning a ministerial exemption to reverse this change, or parts of this change, or whether you just meant that as a kind of hypothetical possibility?

12:10 p.m.

Liberal

Patty Hajdu Liberal Thunder Bay—Superior North, ON

No, in the budget there is ministerial authority to exempt certain programs.

12:10 p.m.

Conservative

Garnett Genuis Conservative Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, AB

Are you planning specific exemptions?