Mr. Speaker, it might come as some shock to many workers in Canada to hear the Reform Party supposedly defending them. It is a little difficult.
The member said that the legislation is in effect a ban on replacement workers. That is not true. In the legislation there is a right for a business to keep working, but if it uses replacement workers to bust a union the board has the authority to outlaw it.
The hon. member would try to perpetuate that somehow there is a total ban on replacement workers and it is exactly the opposite.
On democratic principles the board shall have a vote on between 35% and 50% of the cards signed by the rank and file. That is what they say they want. If there is clear indication that members want to certify with a union and there are in excess of 50% of the membership signing cards, the board has the authority to certify without a vote.
Let us be clear. If there is any indication whatsoever of unfair labour practice on the part of the union organizers intimidating people to sign cards, the board can either deny certification or require a full vote. The member should put the facts on the table so we are clear about what we are dealing with.