Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Human Resources Development.
Yesterday, the minister announced on behalf of the government-for the second time, given that the Minister of Finance had made the same announcement earlier-a five cent reduction in unemployment insurance premiums. Perhaps he thinks that by announcing a five cent reduction twice, people will think the total reduction will be ten cents. But no, five cents it is. In fact, he is maintaining the special deficit reduction tax on workers earning under $39,000 and their employers.
How can the minister ignore the disastrous situation of the job market and be content with announcing marginal measures that will have very little effect on employment?