Michel Gauthier

[Unemployment, April 11th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, while the government is trying to take credit for a drop in the unemployment rate, more than 20,000 young people are said to not even bother stating that they are looking for work. They are disillusioned with the job market and the government's apathy.

Will the Prime Minister face reality and recognize that, at a time when some 200,000 jobs are needed in Quebec to return to pre-recession levels, the drop in the unemployment rate is largely due to the fact that young people are disillusioned and have given up looking for work?

[Interest Rates, March 25th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, does the Minister of Finance not agree that his strategy, which consists in shifting the deficit onto the backs of the provinces, is being judged very harshly by foreign markets and that this strategy is the direct cause of the problems which the Canadian dollar is currently experiencing?

[Interest Rates, March 25th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, does the minister recognize that the falling Canadian dollar, which has tumbled even further than the US dollar, and the reaction in Japanese financial circles are directly attributable to the failure on the part of the Finance Minister to introduce strong measures to control public spending?

[Interest Rates, March 25th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, the downward slide of the Canadian dollar, coupled with the fact that interest rates appear to be on the increase, is cause for great concern. This disturbing situation comes at a time when the dollar has fallen to its lowest level in eight years.

For the consumer preparing to renew a $100,000 mortgage, this could mean an increase of $80 a month, just at a time when the largest number of real estate transactions are made.

My question is for the Minister of Finance. Does the Minister recognize that the downward slide of the Canadian dollar and the upward pressure on interest rates are largely attributable to the actions of Japanese investors who are divesting themselves in mass numbers of their Canadian securities?

[Business Of The House, March 24th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the Leader of the Government the usual question about the business of the House.

[Unemployment Insurance Reform, March 24th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, the main weakness in the Finance minister's budget is that is does not contain a single project of major significance that would help spur the economy. That is what is wrong with his budget. Does the Minister of Finance not recognize that he must introduce bold measures and join with the private sector in investing in forward-looking projects such as the high-speed train, projects which would give some hope and some dignity back to the unemployed?

[Unemployment Insurance Reform, March 24th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, will the Minister of Finance recognize that he should reconsider his approach which has been to attack the unemployed rather than unemployment itself? And could he tell us if he intends to put genuine job creation measures on the table in order to help people get off unemployment by working, instead of forcing them off UI by cutting their benefits?

[Unemployment Insurance Reform, March 24th, 1994]

Mr. Speaker, not only has the business community reacted negatively to the budget brought down by the Minister of Finance, but we also learned this morning that three out of four Quebecers are disappointed with the budget because it will not make the economy stronger.

The three major unions in Quebec have asked the government to delay implementing the measures restricting unemployment insurance until a genuine comprehensive debate is held on social program reform.

Does the Minister of Finance intend to postpone, as requested by the three major Quebec unions, the UI measures announced in his budget until such time as genuine consultation on the reform process has taken place?

[Supply, March 22nd, 1994]

Madam Speaker, since I am not familiar with these proceedings, I was wondering whether the President of the Treasury Board could give this House the assurance that the content of the bill before us is presented in the usual format.

[Supply, March 22nd, 1994]

On a point of order, Madam Speaker.