Mr. Speaker, as a trade unionist myself, it gives me great pleasure to rise on this the day we celebrate the International Day of the Worker. On this occasion we should think about the situation facing working men and women on the verge of the 21st century.
Production methods and changes in the workplace present Canadian workers and governments with new challenges but also with new opportunities.
As a federal government, our role is to ensure that Canadian men and women have the opportunity to find meaningful, satisfying work and contribute to society. Through initiatives like employment insurance and our youth task force, we are meeting that challenge.
I am sure all members of this House join me in recognizing the contributions made to Canada every day by working men and women in a countless number of occupations.