Mr. Speaker, the Canadian government wants to create jobs for young people.
The finance minister's budget announced tax relief for those hiring young people. This measure was favourably received by young people looking for a job and wanting to get off to a good start in life.
This measure is part of a strategy to support youth employment. It consists of eliminating employment insurance premiums for employers who hire young people between the ages of 18 and 24, effective January 1999.
This age group is particularly vulnerable to more difficult economic situations. We hope this measure will put an end to the vicious cycle of young people unable to find work because they lack experience that they cannot acquire until they find work.