Mr. Speaker, the hon. member is obviously confused as to the intent and scope of Bill C-96.
For example, clause 6 of the bill does not provide the Minister of Human Resources Development with any new powers. These already existed within the predecessor's departments and are simply consolidated to provide a more efficient response to the needs of Canadians.
Clause 20 allows the minister to enter into agreements. Again this is nothing new, as the minister already has similar authority under existing legislation. As the member should know, this authority is very important to serving the needs of Canadians. For example, under the program for older worker adjustment, the minister signs agreements with provinces to set up the program and with financial institutions to buy annuities on behalf of designated unemployed older workers.
This program has been of particular importance to Quebec where in 1994-95, the federal government spent $35.4 million, representing 66 per cent of total expenditures nation-wide to buy annuities on behalf of 1,255 older Quebec men and women. By the end of 1994-95, 4,260 Quebecers were benefiting from annuities purchased under the authority of POWA.
Of course, the federal government will continue to seek out the co-operation of its partners in establishing flexible programs and efficient arrangements. The government has continuously acted in this spirit since its election in October 1993.
For example, the Canada student loans program provides grants to women and persons with disabilities. Quebec has chosen to opt out and runs its own student loans program. In 1994-95, Quebec received a federal payment of over $92 million to do so.
The new Canada health and social transfer will provide block funding to provinces for post-secondary education, health and social assistance. The CHST will enhance provincial flexibility in allocating federal resources according to each province's priorities.
The strategic initiatives program funds innovative projects based on provincial priorities. We were all pleased when the minister announced on August 29 that he had come to an agreement on this important initiative with his Quebec colleague. As a result, an estimated 29,000 additional Quebecers will be receiving assistance over the next three years under the APPORT and Formation professionelle au secondaire programs.
It is clear that the hon. member is more interested in ideology than ideas. This bill is another step forward in the reform process leading to a more efficient and effective government. I urge him to support Bill C-96.