Supply  This is due to the referendum.

Supply  No, Mr. Speaker, I do not deny it. Quite frankly I welcome it. Any worker who understands a global economy, any worker or any parliamentarian who has spent time looking at our major competition in the world, will know that every labour adjustment program in the world is funded by its workers and its employers; every major labour adjustment program in the world is very progressive, not passive, not a straight insurance program where somebody is just given a cheque to stay home.

Supply  Mr. Speaker, I will answer quickly so my friend from the Reform can ask his question. The Bloc continues to perpetuate a myth. First, we all know that the UI fund is not general revenue. It does not go into the general revenues of the government. In fact last year it was in a deficit.

Supply  Mr. Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the member for Guelph-Wellington. I want to first thank the opposition for an opportunity to talk about something I consider a very important issue. That is, of course, the reality and honesty of making laws and going forward with decisions that affect a lot of people.

Supply  Question.

Petitions  Mr. Speaker, it is my honour pursuant to Standing Order 36 to present a petition signed by some 700 constituents across the country. They are very much interested in bringing to the House of Commons the importance of mining in Canada as well as the livelihood of hundreds of thousands of Canadians working in and serving the mining industry.

The Budget  Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague for his kind remarks. One of the things that has intrigued me the most about some of the comments members of the third party have made is that they keep saying the government did not cut taxes. Why did it not? They say it would stimulate the economy.

The Budget  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise in support of the budget tabled by my colleague, the Minister of Finance. In the 1996 budget we have tried to reflect the commitments we made during the 1993 election. To the House and to all those listening in Kenora-Rainy River and across the country, it continues to put our fiscal house in order and promotes our job and growth agenda.

Petitions  Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 36, I have the honour to present some 600 signatures on a number of petitions dealing with the Keep Mining in Canada campaign. One of the most important issues in Canada is the one of mining. It is a cornerstone for the betterment of Canada.

Department Of Human Resources Development Act  Yes, I have my pension. Quite frankly, I am proud that I have earned it. I will be here for a long time before I get to collect it. At least I pay tax. A lot of the boys across the way do not pay any tax. There is an individual there from Ontario, our multi-millionaire friend, who does not pay any tax.

Department Of Human Resources Development Act  Mr. Speaker, since I know Reform Party members a little better than I know Bloc members, because I have to deal with them on a regular basis in my neighbourhood, I will tell the House what impresses and intrigues me the most about them. They came to the House with a particular focus and a promise they made to their constituents.

Department Of Human Resources Development Act  Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for the question. In the last couple of days I have had the opportunity to listen to the Bloc on this bill. I have to admit I am saddened that members opposite have continued to make suggestions to their constituents that are factually incorrect.

Department Of Human Resources Development Act  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to speak on Bill C-96. I am sure members know the bill establishes the Department of Human Resources Development and amends or repeals certain related legislation. In the time I have I will focus on the labour side of the bill and the duties the Prime Minister has entrusted with the Minister of Labour.

Department Of Health Act  Come on. We know you do not believe any of that nonsense. That is Reform rhetoric.

Take Our Kids To Work Day  Mr. Speaker, as members may be aware, this Wednesday is Take Our Kids to Work Day. Sponsored in part by the federal human resources department, 150,000 grade nine students from across Ontario will spend the day at the job of a parent, relative or other adult. This program is an integral part of the grade nine program and is supported by a majority of school boards across Ontario.