Evidence of meeting #28 for Industry, Science and Technology in the 43rd Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was employees.
A recording is available from Parliament.
President and Chief Executive Officer, Empire Company Limited
Of course, I want fairness for our people, but I think it's disrespectful to ask me, on such a complex question, to answer in one second.
President and Chief Executive Officer, Empire Company Limited
I think, Honourable Erskine-Smith, that living wage, basic income and minimum wage is a great discussion to be having, but I'm not sure any of you or even your parties would agree on those terms or even define some of it the same way—
Liberal
Nathaniel Erskine-Smith Liberal Beaches—East York, ON
Mr. Medline, we committed to a $15-an-hour minimum wage in our platform, so I think you'll find that we do agree.
My second question is, on what day—
President and Chief Executive Officer, Empire Company Limited
Sorry, is the minimum of $15 the living wage? I was looking for that in your platform. Is that a living wage everywhere in the country, $15?
Liberal
Nathaniel Erskine-Smith Liberal Beaches—East York, ON
We committed to a $15-an-hour minimum wage, far above what you pay your employees, Mr. Medline, across the country.
On what day—
President and Chief Executive Officer, Empire Company Limited
I think you heard me earlier—
President and Chief Executive Officer, Empire Company Limited
I'm sorry, can I—
Conservative
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Sherry Romanado
Hold on one moment, please. We have a point of order on the floor.
Conservative
Michelle Rempel Conservative Calgary Nose Hill, AB
Thank you, Madam Chair.
I'd just like to point out to you, Madam Chair, and perhaps to our witnesses here, that when a member is questioning witnesses, it is their time. If one would like to argue with a member of Parliament, they should put their name on a ballot to join the committee.
Thank you.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Sherry Romanado
Thank you very much, Madam Rempel Garner.
We will backstop the clock for Mr. Erskine-Smith.
Go ahead.
Liberal
Nathaniel Erskine-Smith Liberal Beaches—East York, ON
Thanks very much.
On what day was the board decision made to end this modest top-up for essential workers? I'll start with Ms. Davis.
President, Loblaw Companies Limited
It was never brought to our board, but as I mentioned, it was made June 8.
Liberal
Nathaniel Erskine-Smith Liberal Beaches—East York, ON
That's great.
Mr. La Flèche, on what day was the decision made and by whom?
President and Chief Executive Officer, Metro inc.
It was made by me and my management team on June 11.
President and Chief Executive Officer, Empire Company Limited
We had said in May that we were going to do that. We made the final determination somewhere—I don't have it at my fingertips—around June 11. It was made by the management team.
I keep the board of directors apprised of what we're going to do at all times.
Liberal
Nathaniel Erskine-Smith Liberal Beaches—East York, ON
Mr. La Flèche, were you aware of the decision of Loblaw at the time you made your decision on June 11?
President and Chief Executive Officer, Metro inc.
As was just said, we announced to our employees that it would end on June 13 on May 22. We cannot—
Liberal
Nathaniel Erskine-Smith Liberal Beaches—East York, ON
That's not the answer to my question, Mr. La Flèche. Were you aware on June 11 that Loblaws had made the decision on June 8?
President and Chief Executive Officer, Metro inc.
When we made our final decision on June 11, yes, we were aware that Loblaw had started to communicate that they were—