Mr. Speaker, Canada's foreign service officers are currently on strike. These workers have been without a contract for two years. They represent our international trade and diplomatic interests.
The current situation is having a serious impact on the processing of visa applications. For example, the largest festival in the Drummondville region, the Mondial des Cultures, invites more than 800 artists from all over the world. This event's executive director is worried about the negative effects of delays in processing visas.
The NDP believes that Canadian workers have the right to improve their working conditions. The Conservatives must negotiate in good faith with public sector unions and workers. The Conservatives must abandon their confrontational approach and settle this labour dispute as quickly as possible.
A fair and equitable settlement for everyone can be achieved by negotiating with Canada's foreign service officers.