Human Resources committee  It really is a timing issue, insofar as by the time the decision was made to renew the programs, basically the expenditure profiles, which are the foundation for the main estimates, had been closed. So parliamentarians, members of the committee, will see the funding associated with the renewal of the program in supplementary estimates later in the year.

Human Resources committee  In terms of the amounts for this year, the government renewed the program in September 2008, as I mentioned. The strategy was extended for two years, from April 1, 2009 to March 31, 2011. Funding for the program will continue at the same level, that is, $134.8 million this year and next.

Human Resources committee  Allow me to answer Ms. Folco's question. The difference between last year's main estimates and this year's has to do with the end of the former homelessness program. The committee members will see the payments for this program, which the government renewed, in the supplementary estimates this September.

Human Resources committee  Perhaps I could help respond to Mr. Lessard's question.

Status of Women committee  We're involved with the Status of Women on a wide variety of topics. I'm not exactly familiar with the indicators work, but we can find out for you if you want, or inquire with Status of Women Canada.

Status of Women committee  Yes, we made recommendations.

Status of Women committee  We give advice.

Status of Women committee  I'll come to the data in just one second. When I say access to regular benefits for individuals who leave their job for a valid reason, anybody in that kind of a situation would be eligible for regular EI benefits. It's a voluntary quit, because they were choosing to go on and do something else.

Status of Women committee  Thank you very much.

Status of Women committee  Ms. Mathyssen, thank you for you question. I wouldn't want to leave the committee with the impression that I would declare victory on the economic security of women. Absolutely not. What I am saying, though, is that the situation is improving. As I said, we look at post-secondary education...and we're seeing that younger women, in particular, are doing better.

Status of Women committee  We are in the process of negotiating agreements with provinces and territories, who, as you said, will deliver the strategic training and transition fund. I know we're going to be tracking clients who benefit. Certainly for the employment benefits and supports to be delivered under part two of the employment insurance program, the labour market development agreements, LMDAs, we do track by gender.

Status of Women committee  We'll take a note of that, though, Ms. Mathyssen. We'll get back to the committee about this.

Status of Women committee  That depends very much on the design of the program, but I think we can safely assume, depending on what's contained in the package of special benefits and how it's designed....

Status of Women committee  If you extrapolate from the current program and assume the same kind of take-up rates on the part of the self-employed...but it is a hypothetical question at this point. I think it's not unreasonable to assume, with the same kinds of design parameters, that the self-employed population will have similar take-up rates, so yes.

Status of Women committee  The employment insurance program is designed as an insurance program for workers. I'm not sure it would necessarily lend itself to a different program for women over men. It really is looking at the labour force characteristics primarily. Could it be done? Parliament can choose to pass legislation.