Mr. Speaker, there are some things hon. members must realize. First, there is no surplus in the EI fund. Second, we are transferring $600 million for manpower training to Quebec, and will be working in collaboration with the new government, which is greatly concerned with supporting employers and employees in these regions. The $14 million we will be injecting into short-term measures will be enhanced by consultations with a view to establishing long-term measures. We are going to be working with fishers, ship's crews and plant workers in order to provide assistance.
In the House of Commons on May 8th, 2003. See this statement in context.