House of Commons photoWon her last election, in 2011, with 54% of the vote.
Child Care May 30th, 2006
Mr. Speaker, the member is correct. We do believe that day care should be in the hands of the province, but we also believe there is not a one-size-fits-all. We have a universal day care arrangement and we are very proud of it. I invite the members to please help us make it one of the best day care/child care agreements that we can possibly have for our country.
Child Care May 30th, 2006
Mr. Speaker, as I have said, we are in the early days of designing the child care spaces. There have been consultations with the provinces. After consulting with the provinces and territories, we are going to ensure that these initiatives will complement the design that Quebec already has in place.
Child Care May 30th, 2006
Mr. Speaker, the minister has met with the provinces and her counterparts. She is in the early stages of designing this initiative. We will be consulting with the provinces and the territories to ensure that the initiative complements their existing child care systems.
Employment Insurance May 29th, 2006
Mr. Speaker, I admire my hon. colleague's concern for his constituents. It is important that we do not automatically extend programs without taking a close look at the information available.
I want to make clear that at this point we are carefully examining the issues involved, listening to the views of those concerned. Whatever the decision is with regard to the increased weeks of EI benefits pilot project, the government's long term priority is helping Canadians participate in the labour market. We want to ensure that all Canadians get the best value for their dollars, that any programs we invest in really do help the people who need it.
We want to ensure that we have the proper balance. This is why we are taking the time we need. We need to make an informed decision.
Employment Insurance May 29th, 2006
Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the member's concerns regarding this issue.
Seasonal industries are an important part of the Canadian economy. Seasonality is a major factor in key Canadian industries such as construction, forestry, agriculture, mining, fisheries and tourism.
The economic importance of seasonal industries goes far beyond their direct impact on GDP and employment figures because of the additional economic activity performed by a range of companies serving them, particularly in rural and remote regions in Canada.
Seasonal workers present unique challenges for individual Canadians. Often these individuals face a limited working season, sporadic work durations and in many rural areas, a lack of off season alternatives.
Seasonal industries, by their very nature, are often vulnerable to factors beyond their control. Global market conditions, diseases, weather and many other variables can create fluctuation in supply and demand for their products as well as operating costs. Given this reality we have to determine how we can best address the needs of seasonal workers and their communities. We have to determine how to offer appropriate support.
In general, EI is serving the needs of seasonal workers well. Seasonal workers represent about 3% of the labour market, but approximately 27% of EI claimants. The average number of weeks of entitlement and benefits received are comparable for seasonal and non-seasonal workers. Seasonal workers also receive a higher average benefit rate than regular claimants. Moreover, an additional $1 billion annually has been invested since 1996 to address the needs of these workers, including three new pilot projects totalling $300 million per year just initiated by the previous government.
While a significant number of seasonal workers rarely need support under EI, the combined weeks of work and EI benefits for some seasonal workers are not enough to provide income each week of the year. These workers turn to the program on a regular basis. They experience an income gap when their EI claim runs out before they return to their seasonal job.
We are sensitive to the challenges faced by these workers, particularly so-called seasonal gappers, and the need for employment based long term solutions.
EI pilot projects are allowed under section 109 of the EI act in order for the government to assess the labour market impacts of new approaches to issues that have been identified within the EI program before national and permanent changes are considered.
The increased weeks of EI benefits pilot project was intended to test whether providing additional weeks of EI benefits would help address the annual income gap faced by a subset of EI claimants known as seasonal gappers; would maintain current incentives to work; and have any adverse labour market effects on other EI claimants.
It is important that pilot projects be assessed based on evidence and that consideration be given to the effectiveness and efficiency of these programs.
Human Resources and Social Development May 29th, 2006
Mr. Speaker, the government knows that education and training are critical to productivity and economic growth. We have proposed to provide students and their families with tax relief, new tax credits on books and a reduction in parental contributions to expectant parents. We take literacy quite seriously in the development of our children.
Human Resources and Social Development May 29th, 2006
Mr. Speaker, absolutely. The government recognizes how important literacy is for our trades, skills and education. We will ensure ongoing spending.
Employment Insurance May 29th, 2006
Mr. Speaker, this is part of an evaluation of a five week pilot project. The pilot project is considering several options. They are being considered as we speak and the decision will be made in the next five days.
Employment Insurance May 29th, 2006
Mr. Speaker, our government has placed a high value on these workers. They are the ones who make us competitive and they are the ones who make us productive. We are reviewing the results of the evaluation as we speak before making any decisions on our options.
Holy Cross High School May 19th, 2006
Mr. Speaker, it has been said, “Without music, life would be a mistake”, which is why I take great pleasure in welcoming Saskatoon's Holy Cross High School to the nation's capital as the students compete in the 34th annual MusicFest.
Holy Cross has grown from its modest beginnings in borrowed classrooms nearly half a century ago into one of the most well-respected educational institutions.
Continuing this tradition is a gifted group of 170 students which make up the two bands and a choir here today.
The grades 11 and 12 bands are under the direction of John McGettigan. The combined grades 11 and 12 choir is lead by directors Leanne Baldwin and Kristen Dorgen-Lee.
All of us in Saskatoon wish Holy Cross students great success this weekend and we thank Holy Cross for making us proud.
As the City of Saskatoon marks its 100th birthday next Friday, May 26, I ask all members to join with me in congratulating Saskatoon as it shines even brighter with these students on its 100th birthday.