Mr. Speaker, as we have stated over and over again, the central pillar of this government's mandate is employment growth. In the last four years, over one million full time jobs have been created in the private sector with more than 370,000 being created in 1997 alone. The unemployment rate is lower than it has been since 1991 and our commitment is not about to change now.
The transitional jobs fund was introduced in 1996 to help individuals and communities of high unemployment areas adjust to EI reform. Projects approved to date are expected to create over 31,000 sustainable jobs. However, a transitional program cannot be extended indefinitely, especially without a thorough evaluation which is currently underway.
In the meantime, through labour market development agreements with the provinces employment insurance continues to offer active measures to help the unemployed re-enter the workforce. Examples include targeted wage subsidies, earning supplements, employment assistance services as well as other benefits and support measures. The 1998 budget also sets aside money to promote employment for young Canadians as well as youth at risk through EI premium holidays and the youth services Canada program.
I take the hon. member's comment and I reiterate that this government is committed to employment growth. The transitional jobs fund is under review. After that review is completed a decision will surely be made.
Since the hon. member talked about the surplus in the EI account, I reiterate that back in 1986 the auditor general required the government of the time to consolidate the EI account into general revenues. So those moneys are going directly into consolidated revenues and are certainly being used for what are Canadian priorities.