Mr. Speaker, during the past year specifically in the province of Quebec-and I do not want to exclude actions we have taken in other provinces-with the changes we introduced last year to the unemployment insurance system, we brought in a special family benefit that enabled over 130,000 Quebecers, primarily women, to receive an additional $1,000 per year over and above their normal payment.
In addition we signed an agreement with the Government of Quebec because we believe in co-operating to help those on low income, especially those with families. It was an $81 million special agreement this summer with the Government of Quebec that would provide an income top up for 27,000 families on low income. This once again demonstrates that when we work together we can finally do something as a government to help people who really have needs.