Lucienne Robillard

[Employment Insurance, February 9th, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, we are very aware of this difficulty faced by older workers when they are laid off, especially after working for many years in a manufacturing sector, and have a hard time re-entering the labour force. That is why we have had and still have, in partnership with the provincial governments, projects to help us find the best way to assist these workers. These projects are available right now.

[Human Resources and Skills Development, February 8th, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, contrary to what the member just said, our government has acted on that. We have put money on the table. That is the first action.

Second, the Prime Minister is very committed to working with the provinces, which is what we are doing right now. The parliamentary secretary for immigration is working with the provinces.

I do not think we have any lessons to learn from the Conservative Party on that. This is a complex issue and the most important thing we can do is to work with the stakeholders to solve the problem.

[Human Resources and Skills Development, February 8th, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, we are taking firm action in this matter because we know there is a need. It is a complete loss to have professionals in this country whose credentials have not been recognized. Still, we must do this in accordance with the country's Constitution, that is, with our partners the provinces and with all the professional associations, as well. That is why very practical steps are being taken right now, along with the Medical Council of Canada and the Canadian Nurses Association. We will continue this work in the coming year.

[Human Resources and Skills Development, February 8th, 2005]

Absolutely not, Mr. Speaker. We have said firmly that we would make a commitment, along with our provincial partners, to accelerate the recognition of credentials earned abroad, especially for our immigrants.

At present, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration is holding talks across the country, consulting the provinces and everyone who has concerns about this issue. That will enable us to speed up the recognition of credentials even more.

[Employment Insurance, February 8th, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, I already answered this same question from the hon. member for Chambly—Borduas last week. My answer remains the same: I am fully aware of what my leader said during the leaders debate; we are currently considering all the possibilities; we hope we will be able to make some decisions in the near future.

[Employment Insurance, February 8th, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, a few months ago, our government already extended existing pilot projects for older workers. In cooperation with the provinces, we have added the necessary funding. I believe that the workers affected by the closure of these mills will receive assistance from the Canadian and Quebec governments.

[Employment Insurance, February 8th, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, as far as the body of measures relating to employment insurance is concerned, the hon. member is well aware that we are currently looking at the various proposals made by the House committee or the Liberal caucus task force. We hope to make adjustments to certain EI measures, for seasonal workers in particular. We hope to be in a position to reach some decisions shortly.

[Parental Leave, February 7th, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, we support the rather innovative approach to parental leave taken by the Government of Quebec, which is why discussions with my colleague are continuing at this time.

Once again, we hope to reach a conclusion in the near future.

[Parental Leave, February 7th, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, discussions with the Government of Quebec, that is with my colleague, Minister Claude Béchard, are continuing. We hope to reach a conclusion in the near future.

[Employment Insurance, February 3rd, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to tell the member for Chambly—Borduas that we are currently involved in a very detailed analysis, beginning with the proposals made by the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills Development, Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities, and then moving on to the recommendations from the Liberal caucus task force. We hope to be able to come up with some new directions in this matter.