House of Commons photoLost his last election, in 2015, with 43% of the vote.
Business of Supply May 25th, 2015
Mr. Chair, as I was explaining, we are doing everything to support the youth population. As announced in economic action plan 2013-14, the youth employment strategy will support 5,000 internships in high-demand fields, the skills trade, and small and medium-sized enterprises by March 31, 2016.
The government also supports graduate level research and development internships through Mitacs. The unemployment rate for Canadian youth would compare favourably to other G7 countries.
Business of Supply May 25th, 2015
Mr. Chair, Canada's youth population comprises approximately 4.5 million Canadians between age 15 and 24, representing a significant source of labour force potential. While finding a job remains a challenge for some young Canadians, Canada has one of the highest youth employment rates among its OECD peers. As announced in our budget, the youth employment strategy will support 15,000 internships in high-demand fields.
Business of Supply May 25th, 2015
Mr. Chair, we have taken action to help interns. We are looking at labour standard protections to be provided to unpaid interns, which should be specified in regulations following consultation with stakeholders.
The proposed amendments respond to recent concerns about the potential abuse and lack of protection offered to unpaid interns, while not overly restricting or discouraging employers from offering legitimate unpaid internships that primarily benefit the intern.
Business of Supply May 25th, 2015
Mr. Chair, as I was saying, the budget will launch a new labour information portal for youth and students. It will complement the recent launch of a new career choice portal, which provides information about in demand fields of study. We will amend the Canada Labour Code to clarify the circumstances under which unpaid internships can be offered, and to ensure that all interns under federal jurisdiction, regardless of pay, receive occupational health and safety protection and are subject to basic safety standards.
Business of Supply May 25th, 2015
Mr. Chair, under our Conservative government, Canada will continue to have one of the lowest youth unemployment rates in the G7. Since 2006, our government has helped over six million youth obtain skills, training and jobs. However, we recognize that more must be done. That is why our budget will support the launch of a new labour market information—
Business of Supply May 25th, 2015
Mr. Chair, we have taken action to help low-income youth and youth looking for jobs. We will continue to provide support by way of student loans and apprenticeship programs. We are extending support by reforming the Canada student loans program to reduce financial barriers to post-secondary education.
Business of Supply May 25th, 2015
Mr. Chair, as I said, the government does not generally regulate fees, but there is an array of choices, over 100 different types of bank accounts, with a mix of features and fees, from 40 different providers.
In fact, almost one-third of Canadians currently pay no monthly banking fees for their bank accounts. Last year, as I said, we were pleased to announce that Canada's eight largest banks were publicly committed to enhancing low-cost bank accounts. The monthly fee for these accounts is $4.
Business of Supply May 25th, 2015
Mr. Chair, our government believes that financial consumer interests are protected by high-quality regulatory frameworks designed to give consumers the tools they need to make effective financial decisions, an accessible complaints handling process and a competitive market which provides choice to consumers. The government does not generally regulate the day-to-day operations of financial institutions, including fees.
In Canada, consumers have a vast array of choices. For example, they can choose from over 100 different types of bank accounts.
Business of Supply May 25th, 2015
Mr. Chair, we are the only party that has stood up for consumers by lowering taxes and putting more money into their pockets.
Unlike the Liberals and the NDP who would raise taxes on middle-class consumers, our government has reduced taxes for the middle class. We have taken action to improve low-cost bank accounts and expand no-cost banking options for more than seven million Canadians.
Business of Supply May 25th, 2015
Mr. Chair, as I said, the monthly maximum is $4 for low-cost accounts. These accounts are offered to all Canadians. Something else that is very important is that Canada's eight major banks are also committed to offering similar no-fee accounts to vulnerable Canadians. Furthermore, these banks are committed to providing free monthly credit card statements to their clients.