Mr. Speaker, answering the question from the member opposite would take more than the four minutes allotted me because of its many sub-questions. However, I will try to give a more general answer.
The first important thing to remember is that the Government of Canada has looked out for all Canadian workers and is still doing so. It keeps a careful eye on the EI system in order to ensure that it always meets their needs.
It is particularly important to take a prudent approach during an economic downturn such as the one we are now experiencing.
It must be recalled that during the course of its existence the EI fund has varied from deficit to surplus. During the last recession the surplus of $2 billion in the EI fund at the end of 1990 quickly turned into a deficit of $6 billion at the end of 1993. We do not wish to return to this state of affairs.
Over the last seven years the Canadian population has benefited from premium reductions. We have gone from $3.07 in 1994 to $2.25 in 2001. Increasing premiums, as was done during the last recession would, in our view, be the worst solution from an employment point of view.
In order to assess the current situation, the government has announced that it will review the methods used for setting premiums; changes deriving from that review will be implemented in 2004.
The Government of Canada is always worried when workers lose their jobs. In order to help Canadians who are laid off, the government has taken a balanced approach by providing income benefits and by encouraging people to work. We will use our programs to help workers take advantage of new job opportunities. As always, our goal is to help Canadian workers get back into the workforce.
I will also add that I am surprised that my colleague opposite would ask the government to apply the same standards as the United States with regard to social programs when we know that historically our social programs have always been a lot better than what the Americans have done. And it is still the case today.
For that reason, Human Resources Development Canada offers several types of support measures to employees and employers in cases of massive layoffs. That is what we have been doing since the events of September 11.
For example, we go to the premises of the employers or to mutually agreed upon places to help employees fill out their applications for benefits. Since we are on site, we can gather all the required information and process the applications more quickly.
I want to point out a very important aspect of our plan. Each month we correct the variable entrance requirement according to the latest unemployment figures. When the unemployment rate increases, Canadians need less hours to qualify for employment insurance and can receive benefits for a longer period.
Employment insurance benefits give Canadians who are laid off the time and resources they need to find another job that is appropriate for them.
Our follow up and evaluation process shows that the employment insurance plan produces the desired results.