Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge the very efficient work done by our colleague from Kamouraska—Rivière-du-Loup—Témiscouata—Les Basques on related issues. Any issue touched on by Human Resources Development Canada is a social issue.
For the time being, it is extremely important that the small weeks program be extended, as this extension is anxiously awaited by some people. As part of a more comprehensive reform, looking into everything that concerns the absolutely disproportionate surpluses in the EI fund, perhaps extending this program should be considered, if only to show a little more sensitivity.
I read an article, dated September 23, in which Michel Vastel said “Elected representatives show an increasingly appalling insensitivity to the demands of ordinary citizens”. I agree with our colleague's comments. There is an extraordinary difference between what he said and the remarks made by the Reform Party member, who considered this measure to be completely superficial and unproductive, while knowing full well that some families could use a few dozen dollars more to have decent living conditions, not perfect ones, just enough to live at subsistence level.
It is extremely important to act quickly on extending this program and to do so as part of a comprehensive reform.