Social Security Programs  After periods of time which were measured in months rather than years, individuals would be recalled to their place of employment. Unfortunately this is no longer the case in many instances. There exists in Canada today a significant amount of structural unemployment. People who are losing their jobs are doing so not because of cyclical decline in demand but rather because the jobs have disappeared permanently.

Social Security Programs  For 20 to 25 years, women have fought, they have fought something fierce, to take their place in society. Today, with this legislation, we are telling them that they no longer have a place in this society. We are simply telling them: "From now on, you will be dependent upon your spouse's income". That is totally unacceptable. I represent a riding the economy of which depends on the tourist industry to the tune of 90 per cent.

Social Security Programs  The government must govern, the government must lead, the government can only consult for so long. It has already been a year. How much longer do Canadians have to wait before their do-nothing, say-nothing, feel-good leader puts the action plan on the table?

Financial Administration Act  There are several flaws in the analysis which led to this bill. It would make the Minister of Finance no longer responsible for the validity of his revenue estimates. The critical role of financial analysts and of the Official Opposition would be completely removed. For these reasons, the Bloc Quebecois will not support this bill.

Social Security Programs  They are proud of a system that could assist many people in the past, but that simply is no longer working well enough. Our existing system is too easily misused, it does not meet the needs of many people, and it is out of touch with the present social and economic reality. During the last 20 years, many traditional sectors in our economy have had to struggle to survive, and undergo fundamental changes.

Interim Leader Of The Conservative Party  Is there a connection between his about-face and his recent discussions with his former boss, Mr. Mulroney? Canadians no longer trust these politicians who change their opinions on the basis of opinion polls. If the hon. member really wants to contribute to the referendum debate that is about to begin, he should first decide on which side he wants to be.

Social Security Programs  The members opposite are irresponsible because they are saying that Mr. Axworthy's Green Paper is an admission that we no longer have-

Social Security Programs  Could the hon. member tell us what she thinks of that? Does she agree or not with the fact that from now on women would no longer be treated as equal to men because, since their spouse would have a higher income, their benefits would decrease? If we ask Canadians for their opinion, I think they will want to know what their representatives think of these proposals.

The Environment  There is no question that the environmental impact of projects must be assessed in any society. Governments, businesses and conglomerates no longer undertake major building or development projects affecting waterways without first assessing their environmental impact. Such environmental assessments must be rigorous and methodical with a view to sustainable development.

Postal Services Review Act  In 1981 Canada Post Corporation was given a broad mandate that included achieving self-sufficiency while acting as a commercial arm's length crown corporation, becoming part of the business marketplace, and providing a federal presence in communities across Canada. Since then Canada Post has been taking measures to reach these objectives and has made considerable progress. It is imperative that Canada Post maintain its ability to fulfil its mandate. Much progress has been made since Canada Post Corporation was created in 1981.

Postal Services Review Act  As we said before, I think good common sense would dictate that the post office not be closed simply because the postmaster is reaching retirement age and that we do not, for no reasonable cause, send a postmaster to sort mail in a post office elsewhere when in fact there is work to be done sorting mail in his own municipality.

Postal Services Review Act  Canadians will be kept informed, they will have the opportunity to make comments, to know the recommendations made by the Board, as well as the response of Canada Post and the decision reached by the public authorities. Besides the regular reviews of the postal rates and services, the Board will conduct other examinations at the request of the minister. In other words, the minister will have the authority to ask the Board to undertake additional reviews on any issue related to Canada Post.

Income Tax Act  The income drop would occur when their children began full time attendance at school. At that point these families would no longer be eligible to split the income of the higher earning spouse. The resulting tax increase would reduce their disposable income. Significantly, the income drop would arrive when the family could least afford it.

Income Tax Act  I think we should take a much broader view of this bill. We can take the short term view but we can also take the longer view, and I am thinking of the economic spin-offs. As the hon. member mentioned earlier, I also think this bill raises the whole issue of recognizing the value of work done in the home, work that has a social value in Canada.

Petitions  These petitioners are asking Parliament to look into the issue of the Divorce Act and that amendments be made to this act so that obstacles can no longer be placed between grandchildren and grandparents where there should be none. After all, it is only natural that grandparents have access to their grandchildren and vice versa, except in very rare cases.