Mr. Speaker, without question, the undertaking of the government is extremely significant. In our view, it will change the whole context of Canadian society. The government is committed to families and we are proving it.
House of Commons photoWon her last election, in 2000, with 56% of the vote.
Employment Insurance October 21st, 1999
Mr. Speaker, without question, the undertaking of the government is extremely significant. In our view, it will change the whole context of Canadian society. The government is committed to families and we are proving it.
Employment Insurance October 21st, 1999
Mr. Speaker, Quebecers are very happy with the announcement we made last week. The president of the Fédération des femmes du Québec told us that, when she heard the announcement, she told herself that it was certainly a step in the right direction.
Pensions October 20th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, under the old age security program, benefits are indexed quarterly against the CPI. There is a slight delay between any increases in the CPI and the changes to the old age security benefits. I can assure the hon. member that the August and September increases in the CPI will be reflected in the January 2000 cheques.
Employment Insurance October 19th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, the CLC is strongly supportive of the government's undertaking to double parental benefits. The CLC is also, as we are, very happy to see the most recent labour force statistics proving that after 20 years we now have the lowest female adult unemployment level at 5.9%.
Employment Insurance October 19th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, let us be very clear. The government has spoken out loudly and clearly in support of women. Last week the Prime Minister doubled the parental benefits that will be available to families in the year 2001. He talked about making the benefits more flexible and more accessible. We are acting.
Employment Insurance October 18th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, I am thrilled to hear the Bloc supporting a very important initiative announced by the Prime Minister last week, which is that we will double parental benefits by 2001. That will give parents 12 months to spend at home with their children. It will be flexible. The family can decide whether it will be the mother or the father who stays at home. It will also include adoptive parents. This is a very significant undertaking on the part of this government. I am glad that the Bloc supports it.
Employment Insurance October 18th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, the hon. member is referring to a study by the Canadian Labour Congress which will not be published until next month so it is hard for me to comment on the statistics or data.
But there are data which we are all very proud of. The most recent labour market data say that Canada's unemployment rate is the lowest it has been in nine years at 7.5% and the unemployment rate for women is the lowest it has been in 20 years.
Child Care October 14th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, today the daily Le Devoir writes “After some difficult years, Ottawa wants to take advantage of its sound fiscal position to improve parental leave. Bravo”.
Mr. Speaker, we deliver.
Parental Leave October 14th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, recognizing the changing relationship between the workforce and Canadian families, this government knows that it is appropriate for parents to be at home in the early years with their children.
Yesterday the Prime Minister announced a doubling of parental benefits for Canadian families. That is a significant investment in our children and in our families, and are we ever proud.
Speech From The Throne October 14th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, the hon. member is specifically asking the Government of Canada to focus on the issue of health care. I remind him that indeed we have. Some $11.5 billion were announced in the last budget to continue to support delivery of health services by the provinces.
That is the kind of partnership we in Canada believe in. That is the kind of flexible federation we know works and that is the approach we are committed to continuing.