Raymonde Folco

[Income Tax Act, December 5th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, I could not be more in accord with what my colleague from New Brunswick Southwest has said. It is the government's role to make sure that whatever EI benefits are provided to citizens are done according to their rights and within the Privacy Act as well.

We are looking into this affair. If what my parliamentary colleague has said is true, it is totally unacceptable to us. I can assure my colleague and the House that we will continue to investigate the matter. As soon as the investigation is completed, we will report to him and the House as to what the conditions exactly are.

[Income Tax Act, December 5th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member for New Brunswick Southwest for the question. It is a very important question for us in government because we want citizens, no matter what level of literacy they are at, to have the same rights as every other citizen. This is an important position that we have relayed.

I certainly do not disagree at all with the remarks of my hon. colleague from New Brunswick Southwest. Let me add that the large majority of individuals requesting EI benefits are honest. We know that. They are hardworking Canadians who need temporary income support while they are unemployed.

The department is responsible for ensuring that those who apply for employment insurance are eligible to receive benefits. I think everyone can understand that. Unfortunately, there are instances where some people wrongfully claim EI. That is why HRDC has the mandate to protect the integrity of the EI program by conducting investigations into all allegations of abuse. When the department receives allegations of abuse, it must investigate.

HRDC investigations play a key role in safeguarding the integrity of the EI program by detecting, preventing and deterring abuse. We have several investigation programs that allow us to protect the integrity of the EI program. In 2000-01 for example, investigation and control activities resulted in total savings of $573 million to the EI fund. This means that for every dollar spent on investigations, $9.23 is returned.

However, in light of the details raised by the hon. member opposite, and I want to underline they are important details that we take seriously, the minister has asked her officials to review the way investigations are conducted to ensure that employees are working within the code of conduct that is respectful of individuals and the Privacy Act. All of our investigations are conducted within the authorities legislated by us in the EI Act. Employees are provided with ongoing training and refresher courses to ensure investigations are carried out in a responsible, lawful manner.

I can assure you, Mr. Speaker, that HRDC investigators must adhere to a very strict code of professional conduct and carry out their duties in a professional manner. Investigators routinely inform individuals of their rights and obligations. They also inform claimants of their right to legal counsel in cases that are being considered for prosecution. When administrative penalties are considered, clients are advised of their right to appeal.

I will repeat how important this is to us. We are committed to protecting the integrity of the employment insurance program so that it continues to be there to support Canadians.

[3rd Battalion of the Royal 22nd Regiment, December 3rd, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, from November 20-28, I had the opportunity to travel to Bosnia-Herzegovina with three colleagues from the House as part of the second stage of the Canadian Forces Parliamentary Program to visit Canadian troops currently serving with the NATO joint task force, the SFOR.

During my visit, I was able to observe the daily routine of the members of the 3rd battalion of the Royal 22nd Regiment in their role as peacekeepers among communities that have been hard hit by the conflicts that are now raging.

I would like to thank the members of the battalion for their hospitality and kindness throughout my visit to Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Canadians are proud of our peacekeepers, who work tirelessly to meet the tremendous needs of the people of Bosnia.

[Employment Insurance, November 2nd, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to reply to my colleague by first saying that I am surprised that a member of that party would actually bring up the United States as a model for a social welfare program, when we know that Canada's social welfare programs are so much better.

I would like to repeat that employment insurance is a key element of Canada's social safety net and has been there for Canadians for more than 60 years. We have a very effective system of income support for those who lose their jobs.

I would like to remind the member as well that we just passed a law--

[Canada Institutes of Health Research, November 2nd, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, AIDS is an epidemic that knows no borders and affects millions of people throughout the world.

Unfortunately, no fully effective weapons against this terrible scourge have yet been found.

The OPTIMA study, a three year international clinical trial program mobilizing researchers funded jointly by Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom, will help us find responses to one difficult question.

Why do so-called drug cocktails halt the development of AIDS in some people and not in others?

The Canadian team is composed of Dr. William Cameron, chief researcher; Dr. Joël Singer, the trial statistician; and Aslam Anis, health economist.

I am proud to belong to a government that had the foresight to create an organization like the CIHR and to encourage international collaboration such as this.

Investing in research today stands to benefit all Canadians tomorrow.

[Employee Benefits, October 31st, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, I cannot answer with regard to the particular situation that exists in my colleague's region. However, to say that we are misleading Canadians seems to be a gross exaggeration.

First of all, I would like to point out the fact that the required number of hours to qualify for employment insurance is adjusted each month, in each of the 58 employment insurance regions, according to the local unemployment rate.

I will say again to my colleague opposite that during the last election campaign, in November, we promised Canadians that we would eliminate the intensity rule. That was the second bill that we passed, Bill C-2, when we came back to the House.

I would also remind my colleague that, with the employment insurance plan, Canadians who lose their jobs receive 55% of their insurable earnings and low income families can receive up to 80% of their insurable earnings.

I do not have enough time to answer this question in the way I would like but those were a few of the points that could be discussed.

[Employee Benefits, October 31st, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, answering the question from the member opposite would take more than the four minutes allotted me because of its many sub-questions. However, I will try to give a more general answer.

The first important thing to remember is that the Government of Canada has looked out for all Canadian workers and is still doing so. It keeps a careful eye on the EI system in order to ensure that it always meets their needs.

It is particularly important to take a prudent approach during an economic downturn such as the one we are now experiencing.

It must be recalled that during the course of its existence the EI fund has varied from deficit to surplus. During the last recession the surplus of $2 billion in the EI fund at the end of 1990 quickly turned into a deficit of $6 billion at the end of 1993. We do not wish to return to this state of affairs.

Over the last seven years the Canadian population has benefited from premium reductions. We have gone from $3.07 in 1994 to $2.25 in 2001. Increasing premiums, as was done during the last recession would, in our view, be the worst solution from an employment point of view.

In order to assess the current situation, the government has announced that it will review the methods used for setting premiums; changes deriving from that review will be implemented in 2004.

The Government of Canada is always worried when workers lose their jobs. In order to help Canadians who are laid off, the government has taken a balanced approach by providing income benefits and by encouraging people to work. We will use our programs to help workers take advantage of new job opportunities. As always, our goal is to help Canadian workers get back into the workforce.

I will also add that I am surprised that my colleague opposite would ask the government to apply the same standards as the United States with regard to social programs when we know that historically our social programs have always been a lot better than what the Americans have done. And it is still the case today.

For that reason, Human Resources Development Canada offers several types of support measures to employees and employers in cases of massive layoffs. That is what we have been doing since the events of September 11.

For example, we go to the premises of the employers or to mutually agreed upon places to help employees fill out their applications for benefits. Since we are on site, we can gather all the required information and process the applications more quickly.

I want to point out a very important aspect of our plan. Each month we correct the variable entrance requirement according to the latest unemployment figures. When the unemployment rate increases, Canadians need less hours to qualify for employment insurance and can receive benefits for a longer period.

Employment insurance benefits give Canadians who are laid off the time and resources they need to find another job that is appropriate for them.

Our follow up and evaluation process shows that the employment insurance plan produces the desired results.

[Gilles Cuerrier, October 31st, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, a teenager's activities can affect the rest of his life.

The proof is Gilles Cuerrier, a resident of Laval West, who joined the cadets in 1957 and has gone on to become the national president of the Air Cadet League of Canada.

The fifth Quebecer and the first resident of Laval to hold high office in the league, Mr. Cuerrier has set himself the task of making the air cadet movement known to more young people.

It is thanks to people like Gilles Cuerrier that young people have the opportunity to take part in group activities and to enjoy themselves in a setting that allows them to learn and to develop their talents.

[Guaranteed Income Supplement, October 26th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, we are well aware that the guaranteed income supplement issue is now being reviewed by the Standing Committee on Human Resources Development, on which I sit, and that we are almost ready to submit a report to the minister.

As soon as that report is in the hands of the minister, we will see how she will react to it.

[Gay Games 2006, October 26th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday morning, we learned the good news that Montreal has been chosen to host the Gay Games VII, which will take place in 2006. The games are expected to draw more than 24,000 athletes and 200,000 visitors. This is great news for Montreal and for Quebec.

This event will enrich our cultural and sports life, as well as producing approximately $150 million in economic spinoffs. This good news demonstrates the openness of Montrealers and the energetic spirit of the gay community.

I would like to highlight the significant co-operation between the three levels of government: federal, provincial and municipal. This is an example of the great things that can be accomplished when our governments work together.

In closing, allow me to congratulate the organizers and sponsors of the Montreal bid on their most successful efforts.