House of Commons photoLost her last election, in 2008, with 37% of the vote.
Human Resources Development April 3rd, 2000
Mr. Speaker, when the grant was approved there were 64 people working at Placeteco. The company had some problems and faced bankruptcy. We decided to stick with the company and not abandon those workers, as this party would have done.
Therefore, we have a vibrant company with 78 people working and, as my math tells me, that is 14 more jobs.
Human Resources Development April 3rd, 2000
Mr. Speaker, I am always happy to talk about Placeteco because the Placeteco story is good news for Quebec. Just recently it signed a five year contract worth $8 million with a major aeronautical company, Bell Helicopter. There are 78 people working at Placeteco with a bright future.
Does this party want us to dissuade fine companies like Bell Helicopter from investing in the regions of Quebec? If so, it should say so. This story is good news for Quebec and its workers, and members opposite are trying to nitpick and find fault.
Human Resources Development March 31st, 2000
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to assure the House that we have made significant progress in cleaning up the social insurance registry to assure Canadians that the system is well managed.
We have now verified some 5.4 million social insurance cards. The number of files of citizens over the age of 100 has been reduced from 311,000 to 11,000 and we are negotiating with the provincial vital statistics agencies to further reduce this figure.
The bottom line is that HRDC has made significant progress in addressing the concerns raised in the auditor general's report of 1998.
Human Resources Development March 31st, 2000
Mr. Speaker, this question shows a complete lack of understanding of things that happen in the business cycle and the risks that are understood by everyone in the business world.
In this case the department had a choice: let a company and all its workers falter, go under and have a higher unemployment rate in Quebec, or move to assist. We decided to keep with this company to assist it. As a result we have a net gain in jobs. Those companies have achieved tremendous contracts for the future with very large companies like Bombardier.
Human Resources Development March 31st, 2000
Mr. Speaker, the creation of jobs and the saving of jobs may not be a priority for the Bloc Quebecois, but that is our priority.
If the member wants to make allegations of some illegal activity, he should provide some evidence.
Program officials and internal auditors have reviewed the project and confirm that the company did provide invoices that support the payments made. Yes, there were administrative errors that were done in good faith in an effort to save jobs, and 170 people are working thanks to HRDC's investment.
Human Resources Development March 31st, 2000
Mr. Speaker, I want to assure Canadians that our focus has always been to help unemployed Canadians find work.
In this case we have invoices and documentation from the companies on supplies and salary costs that support the payments we made consistent with the terms and conditions of the TJF program.
Human Resources Development March 31st, 2000
Mr. Speaker, the two companies being mentioned were built because of the one company it started with. Our contract is with one company and now we look at the project as a whole, not just one company vis-à-vis another.
When the project was approved there were 64 people working at Placeteco, 49 at Techni-Paint and 6 at Aérospatiale Globax. At various times there were as many as 135 people working at Placeteco. Now there are 170 people in total working—
Employment March 31st, 2000
Mr. Speaker, the member opposite is referring to a company called Trans Cycle Industries, an environmental firm that operates a facility in Kirkland Lake.
This facility dismantles and recycles electrical transformers. It has received funding from us to help it at the beginning. There have been $1.25 million allocated to this company. It opened in Kirkland Lake which had an unemployment rate of 13.3% and created 35 long term sustainable jobs.
Ford Motor Company Of Canada March 31st, 2000
Mr. Speaker, today I rise in the House to pay tribute to the Ford Motor Company of Canada with headquarters in my riding of Oakville.
I want to commend Ford on a recent announcement. Ford is offering its employees a computer, a printer and Internet usage at home for a small fee. This provides a tremendous opportunity for employees to familiarize themselves with the tools of technology and e-business as these tools become increasingly important in the workplace.
We are witnessing fundamental changes in our society and economy. Ford is demonstrating how progressive companies are in ensuring that employees and the members of their families become comfortable with this technology right at home.
Canada is on the leading edge of a technological revolution that is shaping the world. Now, more than ever, companies will flourish through investments in their employees. I am pleased to see Ford's recognition of this fact.
Banking Industry March 29th, 2000
Mr. Speaker, Canadians benefit from a banking system that is one of the most stable, strong and efficient in the world. In fact just last month the International Monetary Fund released a report praising the soundness and stability of Canada's financial system, underpinned by the banking industry's strong financial position.
Canada's banks are also strong contributors to the Canadian economy. As major exporters of financial products and services, almost 50% of bank earnings are made outside the country. However, banks pay 80% of their taxes and base 90% of their jobs here in Canada. The math clearly works to our benefit.
These facts are evidence of the importance of Canada's banking industry to our economic well-being. The Canadian banking industry is making a strong contribution and deserves our recognition and respect.