Debates of Nov. 1st, 2006

Human Resources and Skills Development—Main Estimates 2006-07

[Larry Bagnell, Liberal, Yukon, YT]

Mr. Chair, on October 27 the MP for Edmonton Centre said that no literacy programs had been cut. That is absurd. Yukon is losing family literacy programs. NWT is losing community outreach programs. Alberta is losing tutor training programs. Saskatchewan is losing the Learners Speakers’ Bureau program. Quebec is possibly going to lose the Literacy Alliance. Seven projects ended in Nova Scotia. The alliances and coalitions in P.E.I. and Newfoundland could close, as well as all sorts of other programs. Nunavut is losing most of its training programs.

It is an offence to purposely mislead the House that no programs have been cut. If the government did not purposely mislead the House, then it did not understand it was cutting these programs. If the government did not understand it was cutting valuable programs, will the minister commit to reinstate the funding for these very important coalitions, alliances and projects?

[Diane Finley, Conservative, Haldimand—Norfolk, ON]

Mr. Chair, we are honouring all existing commitments. We recently had a call for proposals. We are processing those applications. We are going to be focusing on giving the money to programs that will deliver actual measurable results for literacy and numeracy.

[Scott Simms, Liberal, Bonavista—Gander—Grand Falls—Windsor, NL]

Mr. Chair, I want to ask the minister a very important question.

Many people tonight have mused openly about the concept of unexpected work loss as a benefit for those in the EI system. I want her to talk about the concept of those who face expected work loss. In particular, I am talking about seasonal workers. Before she is handed any notes to read from, I want her to talk openly and tell me how she feels about seasonal work. Not once tonight have I heard anything that would reassure anybody in the seasonal industry, which is a vast amount of this country's workforce.

There has not been one word tonight about that. I would just like to hear how she feels about seasonal work. This is all about unexpected work loss, but what about the expected work loss?

[Diane Finley, Conservative, Haldimand—Norfolk, ON]

Mr. Chair, I am sorry if the hon. member did not hear earlier when we were talking about it. I know I was and I thought I heard other members in here as well.

I come from a rural area where there is a lot of agriculture. It had a huge fishing industry for a number of years as well. I know about seasonal work and the challenges that are faced. That is why we brought in our five weeks pilot program to help bridge the gap for seasonal workers so that they will be entitled to another five weeks of EI to help them through the cycle and help them stay solid between their seasonal work.

[The Chair, NDP, Bill Blaikie]

Order. It being 11:35 p.m., pursuant to Standing Order 81(4) all votes are deemed reported. The committee will rise and I will now leave the chair.

[The Deputy Speaker, NDP, Bill Blaikie]

This House stands adjourned until tomorrow at 10 a.m. pursuant to Standing Order 24(1).

(The House adjourned at 11:36 p.m.)