Mr. Speaker, government policy must be guided by many things, but mainly by the need to always set a good example. I must say that we have seen better examples than the one the government is setting at present.
The President of Treasury Board has decided to set an example as far as pay equity is concerned. His message is very clear. With its decision to appeal the human rights tribunal decision, the government is setting an example of flagrant lack of respect for its employees, women for the most part, by stubbornly refusing to ensure pay equity.
It is also setting an example by wasting the taxpayers' money on legal fees just to put off the inevitable a bit longer.
The government has set such a good example of poor corporate citizenship that others, such as Bell Canada, also feel no obligation to respect their workers.
The time has come for action. Let us have pay equity, and for heaven's sake, let us set an example for others.