Lost his last election, in 2006, with 38% of the vote.
Supply October 30th, 1997
moved:
That, pursuant to Standing Order 68(4)(a), the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights be instructed to prepare and bring in a bill to amend those sections of the Criminal Code which deal with impaired driving in order to (a) enhance deterrence; and (b) ensure that the penalties reflect the seriousness of the offence.
Youth Programs October 30th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, I find it regrettable that the member views this more as a jurisdictional issue. Our interest is young people. I think that what the member should be interested in is seeing that young people can enter the job market more easily.
We have already transferred all responsibility for manpower training and active measures to the Government of Quebec. This represents $500 million annually that the Quebec government can use for job programs.
The member should also know that we are now holding talks with the government and Mrs. Harel's department to discuss the elimination of unnecessary overlap and duplication with respect to youth programs.
Human Resources Development October 30th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member for a very good question.
Our government is very committed to meeting the needs of Canadians with disabilities and to helping them get back into the labour force because that is what they want.
As a matter of fact we are moving on all fronts. I would like to draw her attention in particular to an agreement that the Government of Canada and the provinces have reached on new employability assistance for persons with disabilities to replace the old VRDP.
We have added $70 million per year in measures to recognize the extra costs of disability and an opportunities fund of $30 million for disabled persons who want to work.
Fisheries October 30th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, I have answered the hon. gentleman very well. A lot of elements are part of the reform. This is a very good job overall that we as a government had the courage to do. The 25 year old regime was not serving Canadians well at all.
I am saying that indeed all aspects of the reform are being very closely monitored by the government.
Fisheries October 30th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, we looked into the situation of the Newfoundland fishermen as part of the overall reform to unemployment. That was a very major reform. We looked into every aspect of the reform that was brought forward. On the first anniversary of the implementation of the reform there will be a full report that will look into all aspects of it.
We are very proud of the reform we have done. We think it is more adaptable to our country's labour market.
Program For Older Worker Adjustment October 29th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, the general issue of older workers is a great concern because there is no doubt that many of them have difficulty re-entering the labour force.
I do know however that many of them prefer to work again when they still have 10 or 15 years ahead of them, instead of receiving money to stay home and do nothing. That is why this government is strongly committed to policies that actively help these people re-enter the labour force.
I am being asked to resuscitate a POWA program whose own criteria made it extremely unfair and unjust. It was great for people who could enter the program, but the majority—
Program For Older Worker Adjustment October 29th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, I am very concerned by the plight of older workers. It is a problem that affects a number of our fellow citizens across the country, even though older workers generally fare better than the younger ones who want to join the labour force.
What I do want to point out is that, if we restore programs, these will be fairer than POWA. Under that program, a seamstress losing her job was not entitled to any protection, unless she lost her job as a result of a mass layoff. POWA was too restrictive.
Program For Older Worker Adjustment October 29th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, I am meeting with representatives of these workers immediately after question period.
I can tell you, however, that my officials have already met with these people. We put together a $2.5 million package of active measures to help these workers re-enter the labour market. We are committed to being flexible by adjusting these measures to their specific situation. And I believe this is the decent and respectful attitude we must have toward these people right now.
Program For Older Worker Adjustment October 29th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, the POWA application was withdrawn at the express request of the workers' union, which felt that the program's benefits were not sufficiently generous later on. Let us be reasonable.
On the contrary, what has been proposed until now is an improved POWA program. One of the reasons the program was terminated was that it was very often unfair and inequitable, particularly because it applies only to workers over the age of 55. In the present case, the average age of workers is under 55 and the program would therefore not even apply to most of the workers we are talking about.
Program For Older Worker Adjustment October 29th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, I do not agree with the assumption by the Leader of the Bloc Quebecois that active measures do not apply in this case. I do not think that we should underestimate workers who, over the years, have acquired experience and skills.
I do not underestimate these workers. On the contrary, I think they are still capable of re-entering the job market, and our government has made a perfectly generous and flexible offer with respect to certain active measures to help them in the coming weeks.