Mr. Speaker, I applaud the member's dedication to and illustration of poverty in this country. Certainly many members on this side of the House share that concern.
However, I do not think it is helpful to anyone in this House to always target and blame the actions of this government. Nowhere in her remarks did I hear any recognition of some of the other social phenomena which exist in the 90s and indeed sometimes interact to exacerbate poverty.
For example, the technological revolution of which we are in the middle is putting us in a period of transition, a transition between the industrial age and the information age. Historically, social revolutions of this sort actually impede some people from moving forward. Some people adjust quickly and prosper. We are finding that today with the information workers who are training themselves upwards and are getting the good jobs with the high salaries.
Often in these periods other people find it difficult to adjust. It might be because of where they live or because of the level of their education. They fall behind. This is simply part of the period of history we are in.
The member often talks about the change to our EI system and calls it a national disgrace. Nowhere in her remarks have I heard an analysis of the new labour market and understanding that the work people do is changing. All I hear is a nostalgic wishful thinking to go backward in time and bring back a system that was suitable for the 70s, not for the 90s.
This government is attempting to eliminate poverty. We are moving forward step by step as we have the dollars to afford the actions necessary.