Mr. Speaker, Statistics Canada is in the process of changing the data collection program it uses to prepare its monthly unemployment figures.
The existing procedure has not been changed in over 20 years and no longer provides a true picture of the new labour market reality. As we all know, the labour market has undergone significant changes in recent years. New categories of employment and employees were created, and these major transformations are thought to be just the beginning.
The decision made by Statistics Canada will have a very positive impact on all Canadian workers. The various categories of unemployed people will be better defined and more precise. The various levels of government and other stakeholders in the labour sector will be better equipped to develop more focused services and strategies.