House of Commons photoLost his last election, in 2015, with 43% of the vote.
Business of Supply May 14th, 2014
Mr. Chair, I do not have the specific number for Toronto. I can say for Canada that full-time employment is at 87%. A million jobs were created. There are almost 18 million people employed, 87% full time, with 64% in high-wage industries and 83% in the private sector. If the member opposite needs specific numbers by city or by region, we can provide those to the extent that they are available.
Business of Supply May 14th, 2014
Mr. Chair, the first point I would like to correct is the unemployment rate in Toronto. It is now at 7.5%, down from its recession high of 10.2% in June 2002. The long-term unemployment rate, the share of the labour force unemployed for 27 weeks or more, has fallen by one-quarter from its peak during the recession. It is now below its long-term historic average.
Business of Supply May 14th, 2014
Mr. Chair, this government is continuing to introduce policies, including tax policies and infrastructure initiatives, that will be building employment right across the country. Toronto is, of course, an economic engine not only for Ontario but for the entire country. It has a vibrant financial services sector, which is doing very well, and we would like to see all Torontonians benefit. We would like to see policies adopted in Ontario that focus on job creation.
Business of Supply May 14th, 2014
Mr. Chair, the province of Ontario numbers are lagging other parts of the country. Clearly, Canada cannot reach its full potential if its largest province is struggling. We believe that the economic recovery is continuing apace, and we think that with sound fiscal policies, that can continue in Ontario as well.
Business of Supply May 14th, 2014
Mr. Chair, first I would like to answer an implied question raised earlier in respect to income splitting, which we discussed. All measures are analyzed for gender balance, as I said before.
With respect to the labour market, it is important to get the facts straight. Canada has posted one of the strongest job-creation records in the G7 over the economy. The majority of the jobs have been full-time private sector positions in high-wage industries, and while labour market data are volatile, it is important to look at the longer-term trend, and we are very positive.
Business of Supply May 14th, 2014
Mr. Chair, as I have said in response to numerous questions on this subject, the Prime Minister has said, and I have said, that income splitting is good for seniors. It can be good for families. We will await the budget for the details. However, I should point out that since 2006, our government has introduced a number of broad-based tax relief measures from which families are benefiting. They include reducing the GST, increasing the amount Canadians can earn without paying federal income tax, reducing the lowest personal tax rate to 15%, and introducing the new tax-free savings account.
Low-income families and individuals are also benefiting from measures to increase and enhance benefits through our tax system, including the universal child care benefit, introducing and enhancing the workers' income tax benefit, increasing the income under the national child care benefit, and others.
Business of Supply May 14th, 2014
Mr. Chair, I will have to get back to the member on that question.
Business of Supply May 14th, 2014
Mr. Chair, I do not have the number, but I know that this training is available to all staff.
Business of Supply May 14th, 2014
Mr. Chair, we do generate the analysis. I am not certain of the full publication. I can get back to the hon. member on that.
Business of Supply May 14th, 2014
Mr. Chair, we do integrate them into the budgetary process.