Mr. Speaker, I support the overall intent of Bill C-35 because it makes at least a tentative move toward the elimination of outdated regulations. It is a step in the right direction. It shows the provinces that the Government of Canada is willing to recognize, at least in part, their ability to make sound financial and humanitarian laws.
However, the bill has one glaring flaw. As I mentioned during second reading debate and as my colleague from Swift Current-Maple Creek-Assiniboia said yesterday, section 178(3) gives the cabinet the power to set rates if it disagrees with the rates established by the provinces or territories.
We proposed an amendment which would remove this clause and give full jurisdiction over minimum wage rates to the provinces. Surprisingly, though, members of the official opposition did not support our amendment. I can only assume that they are really not in favour of giving more autonomy to the province of Quebec in labour matters. That surprises me. I have always been under the assumption that the devolution of powers was something that was very near and dear to their hearts.
Government members also refused to support our amendment, showing that they are really not sincere about giving more responsibilities to the provinces. Instead, the government continues to waffle on the issue of decentralization. Like parents who try to prolong their kid's childhood, this Liberal government is refusing to acknowledge that the provinces have come of age. Not surprisingly, this is contrary to the red book promise.
Broken promise No. 14 reads: "A Liberal government will work closely with provincial governments to reduce duplication and improve service delivery in all areas where governments are involved".
By clinging to the "Father Knows Best" tradition, the government is failing to live up to yet another campaign promise.
With this bill, the government is implying that it wants to better the lot of workers yet it stubbornly clings to the old myths. It wants wage earners to believe that by retaining the right to set minimum wage rates that it has their best interests at heart. It is just like it wants workers to believe that somehow governments can create jobs.
A study released this week by a Halifax based think tank concludes that large increases in regional subsidies to Atlantic Canada have had a perverse effect, retarding economic growth rather than spurring it.
After 30 years of failure, people from coast to coast are recognizing that the policies promoted by this Liberal government have increased the debt load on Canadians and on the federal treasury, a double whammy. So much for red book promises.
If the Liberal government is really sincere about keeping at least the red book promise or the throne speech pledge of cutting red tape and ending duplication, now is the time to show good faith and give the provinces the sole governance over minimum wage rates. If the spirit of co-operation really exists, section 178(3) can be deleted and a memorandum of understanding negotiated to ensure that provinces maintain reasonable minimum wage standards. This would protect Canada's international commitments and free trade agreements.
Today of all days, on the first anniversary of the Quebec referendum, the government should be aware of the need to initiate some form of decentralization of some federal powers. The fact that the Prime Minister ignored the unity issue last year almost resulted in the break up of the country. The government must now recognize that the status quo will no longer keep Canada together.
The Reform Party has a plan which we think would be acceptable to all Canadians. In recognition of the need for decentralization, we developed a bottom up agenda for change that does not require amending the Constitution. The Reform Party's fresh start platform commits us to rebalancing powers, moving governmental responsibility closer to the people and strengthening Canada's federal nature and institutions.
As long as the government insists on retaining the right to revert to cabinet decreed minimum wage rates, the Reform Party cannot support this bill.