Mr. Speaker, I think the better thing to do is to assure the House and all Canadians that should they need the services of the employment insurance program it is there now and it can serve them in these times that are very difficult.
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Employment Insurance October 19th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, I think the better thing to do is to assure the House and all Canadians that should they need the services of the employment insurance program it is there now and it can serve them in these times that are very difficult.
Employment Insurance October 18th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, let me again make it clear for the House that the employment insurance system is there now to help Canadians. Our priority is to ensure that those who may unfortunately have need of the system have access to it and we will work very closely with all employers and unions in this regard.
Air Canada October 18th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, my department is working hand in glove with Air Canada and the unions on precisely this issue.
Employment Insurance October 4th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, our monitoring assessment report indicates that the vast majority of Canadians who are eligible for employment insurance will have access to the program dollars.
We have made changes to ensure employment insurance is there for Canadians when they need it. For many, unfortunately, that time is now.
Employment Insurance October 4th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, no matter what the timeframe, if men and women in Canada find themselves through no fault of their own without employment, we believe the employment insurance program should be there to help them. We are glad we are continuing to improve it to make it more accessible.
We have nothing to learn from that party on the importance of employment insurance. We are glad it is there.
My priority is to ensure that my officials are working with Canadians who need those benefits so they get them in a timely fashion.
Employment Insurance October 4th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, last June the House adopted changes to the employment insurance program that have made it more useful and available to Canadians than it would have been back then.
I would remind the hon. member that he and his party voted against those changes that accorded better access for women and better access for men and women in seasonal industries.
Why is it so much more urgent now than it was back in June?
Airline Industry October 4th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, all indications are that the employment insurance program is there and will work effectively for Canadians, no matter what sector they are working in and no matter where they are in Canada.
As a result of the changes that we have already made, the program is more ready than ever to assist Canadians in these difficult times.
Airline Industry October 4th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, I think Canadians are happy that we have an employment insurance program in place that can work now for Canadians who through no fault of their own find themselves without employment.
I am happy to report to the hon. member that this morning union representatives and Air Canada and Air Transat met with government officials at the same table. They talked about the programs that exist under employment insurance and then broke off into separate tables to talk specifically about applications.
I am quite convinced that, with flexibility and goodwill, we will find ways and means to help Canadians at this time.
Employment Insurance October 3rd, 2001
Mr. Speaker, as the hon. member points out, there are unique circumstances facing young Canadians. That is why we have programs specifically directed at Canadian youth to help them with the cycle of no experience, no work and no work, no experience.
I say again that $400 million is invested every year in young people in Canada to ensure that they have access to our economy and the employment opportunities it can provide.
Employment Insurance October 3rd, 2001
Mr. Speaker, on this side of the House we do not want to do anything that encourages young people to fall into the cycle of employment insurance. Rather we want to make sure that young people have the opportunity to work. That is why every year, through our youth employment strategy, we invest over $400 million specifically in young Canadians.
We know young Canadians want to work and that is the policy strategy that we will take.