Mr. Speaker, first and foremost I would like to apprise the hon. member of the fact that the employment insurance program is there, is serving and will serve fully 88% of those Canadians in paid employment who might have need of the benefits.
In addition, I had the pleasure today of meeting with industry leaders in the Scarborough—Agincourt area talking particularly about the employment insurance system and the work sharing opportunity that exists for them to help retain their employees while the employment insurance system pays for some of their income requirements. This program is there and it is available. I would encourage those in the tourism industry to contact our offices to see if it would apply in their circumstance.