Mr. Speaker, I am absolutely delighted to speak in support of Motion No. 395, which is a motion to index the family supplement to the cost of living in the next federal budget.
I am not surprised that this type of motion has come forward by the hon. member for Ahuntsic. She has been so very strong in terms of advocacy for families and children and a number of issues relating to the health and well-being of Canadians. This is certainly a testament to that work.
She has the support of members from all sides of the House on the motion. She also enjoys the support of seconders from all sides of the House. I think that is very telling. It is quite a compliment for the member. I want to add my compliments to her for coming forward with this important motion.
The motion asks the House to approve a recommendation that the government index the family supplement to inflation at the time of the next budget, which would be next February or March in the normal cycle.
The family supplement is paid to employment insurance recipients who are in a low income family, that is, who have an annual income of less than $25,921, who have children and receive the Canada child tax benefit.
The recipients of the family supplement have an EI benefit rate of 80% of their insurable earnings instead of the 55% which is applicable to most claimants. Like all other claimants, persons receiving the family supplement are subject to a maximum weekly benefit of $413.
This is not a substantial amount of money. Probably most members would agree it would be nice to have it be more. However, this is a step and I think members will know it is very important for us to continue to put these issues before the House, so that they remind us of the economic condition of our people.
I have often thought that the success of a country really is measured by the health and well-being of its people. In this regard this motion addresses directly the economic well-being which is directly tied in to the social well-being of families with children.
Not too long ago the House amended the Income Tax Act to provide indexation of what are called non-refundable tax credits and other credits. It was basically to take into account the fact that inflation is a reality. Without any indexation it means that over time there is an erosion of the net value, the real value of any payment to Canadians.
The effect of this motion is it is basically a motion of equity. We need to have equity within our system, whether it be the income tax system, the employment insurance system or any other programs in which assistance is available to Canadians in most need. That is precisely what the motion does. It is precisely the reason there is such strong support throughout the House for the motion.
To consider this I think is something that will happen. I think it will garner sufficient support throughout the House because it simply makes good sense. It makes good policy.
I remember a statement that good economic policy makes good social policy and good social policy makes good economic policy. They are inextricably linked. This one ties both of them in very nicely.
We are addressing social responsibility and economic equity. Motion No. 395 provides that.
I am very proud to have participated in the debate. I congratulate the member for Ahuntsic for reminding us of our responsibilities as responsible parliamentarians.