Mr. Speaker, let me assure the member opposite that our government is listening to Canadians, and we did listen to Canadians on the various initiatives set out in the budget implementation act.
The Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, the Minister of State for Seniors and I consulted widely in the lead-up to the budget. In fact, last year I was pleased to travel with my colleague, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance, to host round tables on EI rate setting. It was through these consultations that our government confirmed that Canadians want stable predictable EI premium rates and a transparent rate-setting process. In response to our consultations, our government introduced legislation this year to ensure predictability and stability in the EI premium rate setting.
In addition, I was also pleased to be involved in our government's consultations with medical specialists and stakeholders regarding the new EI benefit for parents of critically ill children.
Consultations are an integral part of the business we are in. They provide valuable input into the decision-making process.
The economic growth seen under our government's leadership is only possible by working in partnership with Canadians.
Consulting with stakeholders is not only an option for us. It is an essential step in the development of sound program and policy decisions.