moved for leave to introduce Bill C-209, an act to provide for full employment in Canada.
Madam Speaker, I am delighted to table this bill today. This bill establishes that full employment must be the first objective of any economic and fiscal policy of the federal government. It is the surest means to lower a poverty rate of over 11 percent and to put an end to poverty.
This bill would require the Minister of Labour to prepare a draft plan for the achievement of full employment targets which the minister would then put before this House.
I am sure that all members of this House agree that we must in a systematic and dedicated way address the issue of unemployment and I seek when this comes for final reading the support of all members of this House.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed.)