Jane Stewart

[Employment Insurance, December 7th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, I would suggest that it is quite the contrary. It is this government that doubled parental benefits. It is that party that voted against it. In this government that voted to repeal the intensity rule. It is that party that voted against it.

It is this party that has moved to make the small weeks pilot project part of the national program and all they can do is say they do not agree.

On this side of the House it is clear. We are here in support of Canadian workers. They really are not.

[Employment Insurance, December 7th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, let us look at the facts. First and foremost, every year the employment insurance commission does a review of the employment insurance program. This is a commission made up of employers, employees and the government. The commission indicates that 88% of Canadians in paid employment would be eligible for employment insurance should they need it.

Let us also remember that the government has not hesitated to make changes to improve the employment insurance system when evidence is presented.

I remind Bloc members again that every time our government moves to enhance the employment insurance program they vote against it.

[Older Workers, December 6th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, it is extraordinarily important that older workers have access to programming that will assist them as they transition from one job to another.

I would remind the hon. member that we transfer close to half a billion dollars to the Government of Quebec every single year for it to use in assistance for all workers, including older workers in the province.

[Older Workers, December 6th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, I was very pleased that members of my staff were able to meet with the former workers of several organizations and companies in the hon. member's region.

We understand how difficult it can be when older workers lose their jobs and have to find others. That is why back in June of 1999 we announced $30 million specifically for older worker pilot projects. We have a specific agreement with the Government of Quebec and $9 million is transferred to that province for use in support of older workers.

I am hopeful that these former workers will be able to take advantage of that program.

[Guaranteed Income Supplement, December 6th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, when it comes to the guaranteed income supplement, the most important thing we must do is ensure that Canadian seniors are aware that the program exists.

One of the key priorities for us, and indeed for the committee, is to take all opportunities, in forms of outreach, to make sure Canadian seniors who are eligible for the guaranteed income supplement have access to it.

I would welcome recommendations and suggestions from the hon. member as to what organizations in his own community we should work with to ensure that seniors in his region know about the guaranteed income supplement.

[Guaranteed Income Supplement, December 6th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, with regard to the guaranteed income supplement, there is already a retroactive component to the legislation. The hon. member will know that it is the same retroactive principle that applies for the Canada pension plan.

I understand that in its work the standing committee reviewed the program. As I said before, I am looking forward to reviewing the recommendations of the committee and responding to them in due course.

[Employment Insurance, December 5th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, I am sure the hon. member is making reference to the important practice of allowing employment insurance claimants to request advance cheques during the Christmas season. This very important practice is of value.

I want to assure the House that, as in the past, employment insurance claimants will be able to make a request, make their claims in advance and receive cheques for the Christmas period.

[Guaranteed Income Supplement, December 5th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, making sure that Canadians who are eligible for this important supplement know about it is a priority for the government.

The hon. member knows that there is a retroactivity provision in the act as it exists. The committee has made some recommendations that I am looking forward to reviewing and I will be responding to them in an appropriate fashion.

[Guaranteed Income Supplement, December 5th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, there is no doubt that the guaranteed income supplement is a very important part of the overall pension program. What is extraordinarily important is to ensure that Canadian seniors who are eligible for this supplement have access to it.

As I pointed out, we are very aggressively going into communities, working with voluntary organizations. I am working with my colleague, the Minister of National Revenue, to ensure that all seniors who have eligibility for this program do have access to it.

[Guaranteed Income Supplement, December 5th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, as I also said yesterday, we are taking action to ensure that all Canadian seniors who are eligible for the guaranteed income supplement do have access to it. I am working with my colleague, the Minister of National Revenue, to do just that.

I would note that St. Christopher House has written us a letter stating:

We are so pleased to learn that HRDC will be working with CCRA to directly contact these seniors. This seems like an efficient and effective way to address the problem.