Mr. Speaker, Bloc Québécois members have repeatedly pointed out to the government in this House that many cities, and even smaller towns, are going through a process of industrial obsolescence. People who have held jobs for 5, 10 or 15 years in economic sectors such as the textile sector, where competition is stiff, are losing their jobs.
We in the Bloc, and particularly our colleague, the member for Chambly—Borduas, have called for an older worker assistance program, the sort of program formerly known as POWA. Labour congresses, employers and all those who stand with workers who have lost their jobs have called for an older worker assistance program.
Why has the government turned a deaf ear and remained insensitive to these workers who are losing their jobs? Why are there no concrete measures to help older workers?