Mr. Speaker, I heartily commend the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration on her introduction of employment authorization for the spouses of temporary skilled workers in Canada. Spouses and common law partners of skilled workers in professional, technical and skilled trades will now be able to work provided they meet immigration requirements concerning security, criminality and health.
In a global society where Canada is in international competition for skilled workers, allowing spouses to work will give Canadian firms a tremendous recruiting advantage. What is more, the spousal employment authorization program will have a positive effect on the lives of women and families.
The program recognizes the important contribution of spouses, still mostly women, to the corporate as well as the household economy. The program reinforces the government's throne speech priorities of fostering a competitive business environment, creating new jobs and building a higher quality of life for all Canadians.