Mr. Speaker, as of today the government has released four background papers: "Income Security for Children", "Persons with Disabilities","Child Care and Development " and "From Unemployment Insurance to Employment Insurance". The remaining four papers will be released in the next few days. I can assure the member there is still time for public debate and for the standing committee to analyse these papers as it prepares its final report early in the new year.
Social security reform is an ongoing process. We will continue to make information available to the public throughout the process. Let me emphasize again that our programs are outdated, costly, and no longer meet the needs of today's labour market.
As recent polls have shown, the Canadian people believe there are problems with our social programs and that changes are required: 96 per cent of the people believe there are at least some problems with social programs requiring either minor changes, 17 per cent; major changes, 53 per cent; or a complete overhaul, 26 per cent. Slightly fewer Canadians, 89 per cent, believe the UI system should be changed. The majority, 55 per cent, believe change is required because the system is antiquated, while one-third believe the expense associated with the program is the main reason the UI system should be changed. There is overwhelming support, 80 per cent, for our two-tier system of UI.
I am convinced the government has the support of the Canadian people as we work to reform an antiquated social security system. The release of the remaining technical papers in the next few days will further inform and allow us to make the important decisions required to ensure the survival of Canada's social security system.