Finance committee  It's not spelled right. There's no k.

Finance committee  What the TD report and Minister Kenny said was that wages haven't increased. There may be labour shortages, but the proper market response to those labour shortages is to raise wages and for employers to increase training if those are skilled jobs. That hasn't happened, so it's

Finance committee  I would just add that with the elimination of the National Council of Welfare, it's very difficult to get data on welfare rolls in Canada. That's a huge void.

Finance committee  We say 3.3 million.

Finance committee  That sounds right.

Finance committee  Absolutely. We think the LMAs are vital. Right now only about 37% or 38% of people qualify for EI. The LMAs are structured to address training for vulnerable people who don't get EI. The LMAs are critical, because that's a larger group, and those are more vulnerable workers.

Finance committee  Does it pay dividends?

Finance committee  I would dispute that it's a profit. How is that used? The money is used in the interests of workers.

Finance committee  Does it sit there to be used later, or is it taken home by somebody?

Finance committee  It's there to be used later. It is relevant.

Finance committee  Yes, it is, because that money is paid by workers—

Finance committee  —to be used in their best interests, so that's not a profit.

Finance committee  It's not used as a profit. You're incorrect.

Finance committee  They do not make a profit. I refuse to accept the premise of your question, sir.

Finance committee  Okay. The CLC also calls for the development of a national tripartite skills development strategy to prepare for the consequences of the aging workforce and to meet the specific needs of groups such as aboriginals, recent immigrants, and youth. Training and lifelong learning