Joe Volpe

[Citizenship and Immigration, January 31st, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, the hon. member opposite gives me an opportunity to begin to outline for members on both sides of the House a six point action plan on what we will do in immigration.

First, and she would be pleased to know, is to address the issue of undocumented workers and to regularize the system. Second, we would like to take a look at accelerating the processing times with a view to improving both the efficiency of service and the delivery time. Third, we would like to take a look at those inventory backlogs which I know are of importance to her, especially as associated with--

[Textile and Clothing Industry, December 14th, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, I was being very sincere when I said I was available to examine the programs for older workers.

However, it seems the hon. member opposite is not as sincere as he would like to appear, since he is talking about a report that has nothing to do with the problem before us, that of textile industry employees.

Moreover, with the help of my staff, I have already begun setting up a program that may find solutions for the immediate problem.

[Textile and Clothing Industry, December 14th, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, I have already indicated that I am available to look at all possible means of easing the transition for the employees who have lost their jobs, including the POWA.

[Textile and Clothing Industry, December 14th, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, we have met with the employers, the unions and other representatives in order to begin the process of ensuring that these employees get all the benefits they are entitled to as a result of this tragic event. My department is willing and ready to do anything necessary as quickly as possible.

[Food and Drugs Act, December 14th, 2004]

moved that Bill C-28, an act to amend the Food and Drugs Act, be read the second time and referred to a committee.

[Employment Insurance, December 13th, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, I have said I am always open to suggestions that will improve the system. Still, over the past 10 years, in the current system, we have created 3 million jobs. Even in the first 9 months of this year—we have verified this—there were 39,000 new jobs in Quebec, as well. Across the country, the economy is working and working well, thanks to the system we already have in place.

[Employment Insurance, December 13th, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, the Liberals have already proposed suggestions. I am studying them right now. I still have great respect for the committees of this House and I will await the tabling of the subcommittee's report before making comments or talking about the conclusion.

[Parental Leave, December 13th, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, the same question deserves the same answer.

[Parental Leave, December 13th, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, as I previously stated in the House, I am not in the habit of negotiating with the opposition on a very serious matter.

We are in the midst of very sensitive negotiations, and we are hoping for a positive conclusion.

[Human Resources and Skills Development, December 10th, 2004]

Mr. Speaker, I welcome the interest in this most laudable of programs that we initiated very early on in the year. It heartens me that many members on both sides of the House support it.

We are in the first year of the program and we committed at the very beginning to make any changes subsequent to the accumulation of data so that we could make any adjustments that reflected the real needs of those who find themselves in a most tragic and trying moment in their lives.

However, right now, as the member knows, the mechanism is triggered by a declaration by an attendant doctor and it applies to immediate family--