Madam Speaker, I want to start off by thanking my colleague for Acadie—Bathurst. Year after year, since we were both elected in 1997, he has been a tremendous advocate for the unemployed and for the injustice that the government has forced on workers in Canada.
He probably does not know this, but his grandson, Jonathan, is in the lobby and was staring up at the TV. He was totally enthralled. When he watches this in the future he should be proud of what his grandfather has done for the people and children of Canada. On the contrary, every member on the governing side should sit in shame for what the government has done to the unemployed.
I specifically want to ask my colleague a question regarding the waiting period for journeymen apprentices in carpentry, welding, and mechanics. The government had a two week waiting period for people who still had their job, but were going to take an apprenticeship program to get their upgrading. There was a waiting period before they could claim benefits.
The government talked about reducing this period. It may have reduced it to about a week. However, does the member think there should be a waiting period for apprentice workers? For people who want to continue their education, why should they have a waiting period before they collect employment insurance?