Mr. Speaker, first, the Minister of Human Resources Development clearly said that it was our intention to build a reserve, so as to preserve jobs should an economic decline occur. Indeed, we are well aware that the worst thing that can happen in a period of economic decline is to be forced to raise UI premiums. This is why we are building up a reserve and why we put the UI fund back on its feet by pouring $6 billion into it, over a period of just two years.
The hon. member is absolutely right when he says that lowering UI premiums helps create jobs. This is why the minister lowered the rate, for a total amount of $1.25 billion. This is the way to create jobs.