Mr. Speaker, our approach is to ensure that the bill makes its way through the normal legislative process. The hon. member's approach is to block the bill, to split the bill. Block and split is nothing new from that party.
House of Commons photoWon her last election, in 2000, with 56% of the vote.
Employment Insurance February 22nd, 2001
Mr. Speaker, our approach is to ensure that the bill makes its way through the normal legislative process. The hon. member's approach is to block the bill, to split the bill. Block and split is nothing new from that party.
Employment Insurance February 22nd, 2001
Mr. Speaker, we have presented a balanced package of amendments for the House. The bill is now before committee. Witnesses are being heard. The committee will make up its own mind, and we respect that process.
Parental Leave February 21st, 2001
Mr. Speaker, again, as we have always said, we have expanded the parental benefit by doubling it in a very significant way. If the province of Quebec wishes to add to that program, we would encourage it to do so.
Parental Leave February 21st, 2001
Mr. Speaker, we on this side of the House are very proud of our undertaking to double parental benefits. The new program came into place at the end of the year 2000 as we promised.
As is the question whenever changes are made, there has to be a date of commencement. We undertook discussions with Canadians. We had to talk with the provinces and territories. We had to create legislation. We set the date for the end of the year 2000 as we promised. We are very glad that on a go forward basis all parents will have access to the program.
Grants And Contributions February 21st, 2001
Mr. Speaker, what is absolutely clear is that the vast majority of investments made by the government in communities right across the country, including investments in the hon. member's own riding, have made a difference in the lives of Canadians.
I respect, from time to time, that there are allegations made about wrongdoings. We always take them seriously. If investigations are required, they are undertaken and action is followed.
Grants And Contributions February 21st, 2001
Mr. Speaker, as we have always said, whenever there were allegations of wrongdoing in circumstances involving government money we took them seriously. The department did ask the police to investigate. The hon. member is correct, the OPP have laid charges against three individuals. This is before the courts and, as such, I will say no more on the case.
Employment Insurance February 15th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, in my view we have presented to the House a balanced set of amendments to the Employment Insurance Act.
The bill is making its way through the usual process. From our point of view our commitment to Canadians to reintroduce that bill immediately upon being re-elected is a strong commitment and we have made good on it. The hon. member is suggesting that we should do otherwise and we will not.
Employment Insurance February 15th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, I think the hon. member is forgetting that over two million more Canadians are working today than there were in 1993. She is forgetting that the unemployment rate for women in Canada is at its lowest rate in 25 years. She is forgetting that the unemployment rate for young people in Canada has continuously come down.
That speaks well to the new and dynamic economy and the connection that young people have for it, but we will ensure that the benefits of the employment insurance program are there for Canadians when they need them and when they find themselves between jobs.
Employment Insurance February 15th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, I remind the hon. member that we have taken a very balanced approach when it comes to employment insurance.
On the one hand, since taking office in 1993 we have been able to reduce the premiums paid by employers and employees every year, saving $6.4 billion to those Canadians. On the other hand, we have been able to increase the benefits, not the least of which we have seen a doubling of parental benefits for all Canadians.
We have before the House a bill of amendments that I hope the hon. member will support because they do go to directly supporting Canadians in this regard.
Employment Insurance February 12th, 2001
Mr. Speaker, again let us be clear that 94% of the $9 billion in employment insurance benefits are paid correctly.
The hon. member will understand that this is a partnership with employers and employees. There have been significant changes in the Employment Insurance Act since 1996. We are working together to ensure that benefits are paid accurately and on time because they are important to the lives of Canadians.