Madam Speaker, I am pleased to have the opportunity to take part in this very important debate. The revamping of our social security system is one of the most important issues facing our government and our people. By revitalizing these programs now we are investing in our long term economic and social well-being. If we work together to make positive change we can renew the country and prepare ourselves for new challenges.
When our government initiated this review last January, major emphasis was placed on the need for thorough nation-wide consultations. We realize the importance of listening to the concerns, the ideas and opinions of as many Canadians as possible.
Consultation is key to a successful social reform process, and that is what I want to talk about today. During the election campaign I heard very clearly from the people of my riding that they wanted a greater say in the decision making process. I am sure other hon. members heard the same message. People have grown cynical of governments who make decisions behind closed doors without input from the public. Instead people want their voices to be heard during the development process.
That is what the social security reform is all about. To a large extent, our social programs have been a defining feature of Canadian society, programs such as unemployment insurance, social assistance, post-secondary education and child tax benefits reflect our strong values of sharing and compassion.
Despite our commitment to social programs, we have over 1.6 million unemployed Canadians, over a million children living in poverty, thousands of young people who cannot get a start on their careers, and families who have fallen into poverty traps and see little hope for the future. Clearly we can do better.
In order to improve the system, however, we must consult and gain the support of members of Parliament, all of the provinces, various interest groups and most important, the Canadian public and the people of Annapolis Valley-Hants.
I believe there is a consensus among Canadians that we must improve and update the various programs that have helped make us the great nation that we are today.
An Angus Reid survey conducted earlier this year showed that fully 85 per cent of Canadians agreed there is a need to reform our many social programs. I know the people of Annapolis Valley-Hants will seize the opportunity to participate in this process in order to help map out the future of our social security system.
In the past few weeks I have heard from critics who have said on more than one occasion there is no need for consultations, that the decisions have already been made and that the government will go ahead and do what it wants regardless of public input. I heard it already from across the way.
As I look at this discussion paper and I read the options being put forward, I feel confident in categorically rejecting these arguments. The final decisions have not been made. This paper does not lay out government decisions. Instead this document outlines certain principles and it presents options for consideration. It is a catalyst for further debate.
As parliamentarians, we have a responsibility to facilitate this debate in our communities. Anyone who has not done this consultation and at the end of the day says that they have not been a part of the process, should be ashamed.
We must bring these options to the people in our own ridings, talk about how best to reform the system. We must ask what options are acceptable, what will work in our communities.
In my riding of Annapolis Valley-Hants this process has generated a great deal of interest. In a questionnaire that we distributed throughout the riding last spring, fully 77 per cent of respondents felt that Canada's social security system should be a top priority for reforming.
I have also received many phone calls and letters from people who have offered their opinions and ideas on what changes should be made to the network of our social programs. In response to this tremendous local interest on this issue, my team set up a committee of community people to help me design a process to consult the people of Annapolis Valley-Hants.
Through the diligent work of this group, a series of four consultation forums will be held throughout my riding within the next three weeks. The objectives of these consultations are straightforward. First, to stimulate a broad discussion among constituents about Canada's social policy programs. Second, to seek the views of the people of Annapolis Valley-Hants on the future direction of social policy in Canada and the kinds of programs that will be needed in the future. Last, to submit to the minister the views of the people of Annapolis Valley-Hants in order that the concerns that my constituency has put forward are a part of the decision making process.
As part of this process, the committee has developed a questionnaire which was distributed to every household in my constituency. This is the type of consultation process, in my
opinion, which will stimulate worthwhile discussion on our social security reform.
The dedication that this committee has shown in establishing a thorough, local consultation process clearly demonstrates the importance people have placed on the issue. While we still have a lot of work to do I want to thank the members of my local committee for their time and great effort. They have truly demonstrated their desire to work toward positive change.
It is this type of involvement which will bring about focused discussion and worthwhile recommendations as to how to improve our system. I would encourage all members of Parliament to follow the lead set by the committed volunteers of Annapolis Valley-Hants.
I would like to close my remarks today by reiterating the importance of public discussion and debate on the options that are before us. The decisions have not been made. I have not spoken for or against these proposals because the people of my riding of Annapolis Valley-Hants have not been heard. By communicating with our constituencies we can ensure that our programs reflect the concerns and interests of the people across the country.