:
Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
I am pleased to be here before you today alongside my colleague, the Minister of Labour. We're here to answer questions on the 2009-10 main estimates for Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. We'll also talk about the report on plans and priorities for HRSDC.
[Translation]
This report presents the department's key priorities to support Canadians in these difficult economic times.
[English]
The global economic situation has deteriorated further and faster than anyone predicted. While Canada continues to fare better than many other countries, Canadians are feeling the effects of the global recession, and frankly, they're worried.
[Translation]
Canadians are worried about losing their jobs, their homes, even their businesses.
[English]
Our government understands that Canadians are worried about putting food on the table and finding work to keep their homes and provide for their families. That's why we've taken unprecedented steps to support the unemployed, preserve jobs, and retrain workers for the jobs of the future. Many of the programs we deliver were introduced or enhanced in direct response to the economic pressures now facing Canadians.
[Translation]
But before I address some of the measures that we introduced in our Economic Action Plan, I would like to address a few things about this year's main estimates.
[English]
I wish to remind the committee that the main estimates do not reflect announcements made in this January's budget. Those spending initiatives will show up in the supplementary estimates later in the year. You may have also noticed, if you compare the main estimates figures from last year to this year, there is a decrease in some areas.
[Translation]
I want to be clear that these decreases are not cuts to the existing program.
[English]
I want to be clear that these decreases are not cuts to existing programs. These figures simply reflect a better alignment between planned and actual spending.
For fiscal year 2009-10, the Department of Human Resources and Skills Development has planned expenditures of more than $94.7 billion. Of that amount, Canadians directly benefit from $89.5 billion through statutory transfer payment programs such as employment insurance, Canada Pension Plan, old age security, and the universal child care benefit. In addition, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation--you may know it better as CMHC--has planned expenditures in 2009-10 of $3.1 billion. Of this amount, $2 billion is dedicated to housing programs, as outlined in the main estimates.
[Translation]
With respect to our Economic Action Plan, let me begin by emphasizing that our government is always concerned when a Canadian loses his or her job.
[English]
We understand the pressures faced by Canadian families, and we're well aware of the challenges that many Canadians are facing in these uncertain economic times, particularly as unemployment rises. To address these challenges, our government is making record investments to stimulate the economy, support the unemployed, preserve jobs, and retrain workers for the jobs of the future.
With the cooperation of our provincial and territorial partners, the federal government's economic action plan will inject almost $52 billion into the Canadian economy over the next two years. We know that jobs are the key to economic recovery, and that's why our economic action plan is built on three pillars: creating jobs, preserving jobs, and preparing Canadians for the jobs of the future.
The economic action plan will provide $7.8 billion to build housing, encourage home ownership, and promote home energy efficiency. This is in addition to the $1.9 billion over five years that was announced last September for the renewal of housing and homelessness programs. This includes the homelessness partnering strategy, and programs such as the affordable housing initiative, and the residential rehabilitation assistance program.
[Translation]
Under our Economic Action Plan, we are making good progress.
[English]
We're now accepting applications from municipalities for up to $2 billion in direct low-cost loans for housing-related infrastructure projects. These loans are for ready-to-go projects. As well, we're investing $2 billion over two years to build new social housing and to renovate existing social housing stock. The provinces and territories will soon start to deliver funding on a 50-50 cost-shared basis for new affordable housing projects.
[Translation]
These investments help Canadian families in need of access to safe and affordable housing.They also help maintain and create jobs in communities across Canada.
[English]
We're also taking significant actions to preserve jobs. Through the federal work-sharing program, companies facing a temporary slowdown can avoid laying off staff by offering EI to employees willing to work a reduced work week while their companies recover. Through this program employees can continue to work and keep their skills up to date. And when the economy revives, the employers will not have to face rehiring and training costs.
To further improve upon this program, our economic action plan extended the duration of work-sharing agreements to a maximum of 52 weeks. We've also streamlined the process for employers.
[Translation]
These improvements have been very warmly received by stakeholders, and have led to more and more companies and their employees benefiting from the program.
[English]
Currently, there are more than 2,500 work-sharing agreements across Canada, and I'm very pleased to say that more than 93,000 jobs have been preserved.
Mr. Chair, we're also investing in skills and training to prepare Canadians for the jobs of tomorrow. Over the next two years the government's economic action plan will invest an unprecedented $8.3 billion in the Canada skills and transition strategy.
[Translation]
The goal of this strategy is to help Canadians weather today's economic storm while providing them with the necessary training to prosper in tomorrow's economy.
[English]
This two-pronged approach will strengthen benefits and give workers more time to find the right jobs. It will also help them to gain skills and emerge ready to respond once the economy recovers.
In the area of training and skills development, we work closely with the provinces and territories, as they have a better grasp of local conditions and are better placed to deliver training. Our government will transfer $1.5 billion over the next two years to provinces and territories to help workers retrain, so that they have the skills needed for the jobs of tomorrow.
[Translation]
This money is being directed to communities and sectors hardest hit by the downturn.
[English]
We expect that up to 150,000 Canadians will take advantage of these training opportunities.
[Translation]
And for people who lose their jobs through no fault of their own, we want to ensure that they can continue to make ends meet, while they search for another job.
[English]
We're doing so by nationally providing the advantages of an extra five weeks of regular benefits, currently offered as part of a pilot project that until now has only been provided in specific regions of high unemployment. In addition, the maximum duration of regular EI benefits available under the EI program has been increased by five weeks, from 45 to 50 weeks. It's estimated that this extension will benefit 400,000 Canadians in the first year alone.
I'm well aware that some members want us to waive the two-week waiting period.
[Translation]
We are doing better than that.
[English]
What we're doing is providing five extra weeks of EI regular benefits at the end of the eligibility period, which is when Canadians across the country told us they needed it most. We believe this measure is a better option than removing the two-week waiting period because it would help those most in need of additional benefits and do so when they most need it.
While removing the two-week waiting period would result in an additional payment of two weeks for claimants who do not use their full entitlement, it would not provide assistance to workers who exhaust their EI benefits. Eliminating the two-week waiting period means benefits would start two weeks earlier, but would also end two weeks earlier.
Our additional weeks of EI benefits provide regular EI clients with the assurance of financial support, should they require it, for a longer period of time, while they pursue their job searches.
[Translation]
Exhaustion of EI benefits is a tough prospect to face. Providing additional support to unemployed Canadians who would otherwise have exhausted their benefits helps those who need help the most.
[English]
Mr. Chair, given the economy, we're doing everything we can to process the increasing number of claims as efficiently and as quickly as possible. We're responding to the evolving economic circumstances. In fact, we've invested more than $60 million to increase and expand our operations.
[Translation]
Among other things, this investment has allowed us to hire additional staff, as well as extend the hours of service at our EI call centres.
[English]
As I said before, our government is well aware of the challenges that many Canadians are facing in these uncertain economic times, particularly as unemployment rises. That's why our government has already taken unprecedented steps to help Canadians by extending regular EI benefits for an extra five weeks, increasing the maximum regular benefit period to 50 weeks, and expanding the work-sharing program, for example.
[Translation]
We are also providing significant funds to help meet the different training and support needs of not only those who are eligible for EI, but those who are not eligible as well.
[English]
This will include those who have been out of work for a prolonged period of time. Our plan also takes into consideration the needs of long-tenured workers who have been laid off. To help these long-tenured workers change occupations or sectors, we're introducing a pilot project that will extend EI benefits to them so that they can pursue longer-term training. We're also proposing that workers with severance or other separation payments be eligible for earlier access to EI benefits if they use some or all of these payments to purchase skills upgrading or training.
In conclusion, Mr. Chair, in spite of our unprecedented investments, I wish to assure all honourable members and Canadians that we will continue to monitor the effectiveness of these measures and our existing programs.
[Translation]
We want to make sure that they are working and responding effectively to the ever-changing economic circumstances.
[English]
We want to make sure that they're working and responding effectively to the ever-changing economic circumstances.
Thank you, Mr. Chair. I'll now turn it over to my colleague, the Minister of Labour.
It's an honour to be joining the members of the committee. I'd like to recognize, in particular, Mr. Desnoyers and Ms. Minna, who are my labour critics and work very well with me on a number of issues. It's a great opportunity to be here with all of you to address the labour programs component of HRSD's report on plans and priorities.
[Translation]
As Minister of Labour, I recognize that my portfolio is one that new Canadians turn to for assistance and service excellence—particularly in challenging economic times.
I would like to begin by emphasizing the importance of the workplace—where Canadian creativity and innovation thrives.
Our government recognizes that our nation's economic wealth is generated by millions of Canadians in many workplaces, both large and small, that comprise Canada's economy. A well-functioning workplace is one in which workers are safe and treated fairly, where productivity is high, and where employers and employees cooperate in a spirit of mutual respect.
By building and sustaining such workplaces, the economy as a whole benefits and Canada's prosperity is enhanced.
[English]
Given the importance of the workplace to the economy and the economic challenges facing us today, it is more important than ever to ensure that businesses and workers have the tools they need to succeed in the current economy and enjoy renewed prosperity in the years to come.
As you know, the mandate of the Minister of Labour is to foster safe, fair, and productive workplaces and cooperative workplace relations. This mandate is discharged directly in those sectors over which the federal government has jurisdiction as well as nationally and internationally through collaboration with the provinces and territories and with other countries and multilateral organizations.
It is in each of these areas that we are working to deliver on our mandate and meeting our goals. I'd like to describe for you now some of the labour program's recent achievements and demonstrate how these investments in programs and services support hard-working Canadians and contribute to a more prosperous Canada.
First and foremost, our government supports Canadian workers, and we are providing new financial safeguards for workers in these uncertain economic times. Our government's wage earner protection program provides compensation for owed wages when an employer is declared bankrupt or subject to receivership. The WEPP provides workers with guaranteed and timely payment of eligible wages, which include salaries, commissions, and vacation pay. Now with our economic action plan, the program is enhanced to include termination pay and also severance pay.
[Translation]
We recognize that hard-working Canadians face very real challenges when their employers go bankrupt, and through this program our government is ensuring that we provide assistance to Canadian workers facing financial pressure due to job loss during this difficult time.
Secondly, as Canadians would expect, we are taking additional steps to ensure that workplaces are safe, secure and fair for workers. Canada is built on a promise of opportunity and hard work. Inclusive workplaces are central to a productive economy and a cohesive society. Workplaces should reflect the increasing diversity of Canada, in order to ensure that the talents of all workers can be fully developed.
Our government is committed to working towards workplaces that are fair, safe and productive so that all workers can contribute to our shared prosperity. Individuals should be able to get jobs and promotions based on their abilities, free from discrimination.
That is why our government is implementing the Racism-Free Workplace Strategy, which is a key component of the government's A Canada for All: Canada's Action Plan Against Racism. This strategy ensures that Canadian workers are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve in a productive and inclusive workplace.
[English]
A third area of important activity is our role in supporting cooperative workplace relations. The labour program offers an extensive range of preventive mediation and grievance mediation services aimed at resolving workplace differences and improving industrial relations. Today, nine out of ten collective bargaining disputes in federally regulated workplaces are settled without a work stoppage, often with some kind of conciliation or mediation help.
So far I've shared with you an overview of some of the labour program's key activities to support our future economic growth. I would also like to highlight for you a couple of new initiatives we will be undertaking over the coming year. As you may know, one of my priorities is modernizing part III of the Canada Labour Code, which establishes labour standards in the federal jurisdiction. In fact, consultations are now currently under way. We are facing challenging economic circumstances and now, more than ever, it is important that labour standards remain relevant and effective. Given the profound changes that have occurred in the labour market since 1965, the year part III of the Labour Code was first enacted, we want to ensure that federal-jurisdiction employers are supported in their efforts to run efficient businesses and effectively deploy workforces in rapidly changing market conditions. Equally important is ensuring that federal-jurisdiction employees have supportive work environments and can engage in productive work while still balancing their family lives and civic responsibilities.
It is in all our interests to ensure we have modern and flexible labour standards that can support economic prosperity for Canadians now and in the future.
[Translation]
I will turn now to another area of activity for the coming year that I would like to highlight for you—our international efforts. International labour agreements help level the playing field for Canadian enterprises and open up trade and investment opportunities.
Labour cooperation agreements, negotiated alongside free trade agreements, help protect employers and employees from unfair competition. They also help us make sure that fundamental labour standards are respected so economic growth can be achieved in a fair and sustainable manner.
[English]
Last year Canada concluded labour cooperation agreements with the governments of Peru, Colombia, and Jordan. These agreements are the most comprehensive agreements linking trade and labour ever negotiated by Canada, and have raised the bar with respect to the rights and obligations that the parties have undertaken. These agreements have also provided a template for future negotiations.
In concluding my remarks, let me state again the importance of the workplace to Canada's prosperity. This is where our nation's wealth is generated. It's also where many working-age Canadians spend a significant part of their lives.
I will continue to explore ways in which my portfolio can provide support to Canadians. We are fully committed to ensuring that Canadian workplaces are safe, healthy, and productive; that Canadian businesses remain competitive and strong; and that employees and employers are able to succeed in these challenging economic times.
Thank you, Mr. Chair. I look forward to questions.
A commission reported in mid-October of 2006, and that commission itself had a total cost of $4.4 million. In terms of the public consultations we've been doing to date, we've incurred costs of $21,000, and those are merely due to translation and printing costs.
In terms of the key challenges to modernizing the federal labour standards, you can imagine there have been profound changes to labour markets since 1965, so a number of stakeholders would like to make amendments and see some changes. I think what we want to focus on most, though, is to make sure that any amendments we do introduce will really help our federal employees in their efforts to run efficient businesses and effectively deploy workforces in these changing market conditions. We need to make sure our labour standards support flexible workplaces. They reflect contemporary labour markets, of course, the structures and the positions companies are in to compete in what is now a globalized economy, as opposed to that of 1965.
We also want to continue to make sure our employees in the federal jurisdiction have good work environments and can engage in productive paid work. At the same time, we have to think about how their lives have changed as well, balancing family and civic responsibilities.
So there are a number of key challenges, but we also have a number of willing stakeholders who have thought about this issue for a very long time and are working with us on amendments.
In terms of non-compliance with the Canada Labour Code and whether or not that's a major issue, it's really difficult to quantify how serious the problem of non-compliance is, because for every case of non-compliance that's reported by a worker, we also identify those within our own inspection efforts. So based on our experience so far in the field, we feel that generally speaking federal labour standards are well respected, but I believe we can do more, specifically in the area of education to make employers and employees aware of their responsibilities and rights. Often that's really what it gets down to. Employees may not know what their rights are and employers may not understand their obligations under the Canada Labour Code.
What we've been trying to do more than anything is to have proactive educational efforts to balance against this need to also investigate labour standards complaints.
:
Members, perhaps you would come back to the table now. We have a couple of things to take care of.
First, we need to vote on the main estimates.
HUMAN RESOURCES AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
Vote 1—Operating expenditures..........$586,927,000
The Chair: Shall vote 1, less the amount voted in interim supply, carry?
(Vote 1 agreed to)
Vote 5—Grants and contributions..........$1,443,460,000
Canada Industrial Relations Board
Vote 10—Program expenditures..........$11,122,000
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
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Vote 15—To reimburse Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation for the amounts of loans forgiven, grants, contributions and expenditures made, and losses, costs and expenses incurred under the provisions of the National Housing Act or in respect of the exercise of powers or the carrying out of duties or functions conferred on the Corporation pursuant to the authority of any Act of Parliament of Canada other than the National Housing Act, in accordance with the Corporation’s authority under the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation Act..........$2,044,709,000
Canadian Artists and Producers Professional Relations Tribunal
Vote 20—Program expenditures..........$1,840,000
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
Vote 25—Program expenditures..........$3,828,000
The Chair: Shall votes 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25, less the amounts voted in interim supply, carry?
(Votes 5 to 25 inclusive agreed to)
The Chair: Shall I report the main estimates of 2009-2010 to the House?
Some hon. members: Agreed.
The Chair: Thank you very much. That takes care of the issue of estimates.
I have a couple of things on the list that we want to talk about. The first one has to do with travel. We had approval for up to six members to travel to Calgary. I just want to confirm the list so that the appropriate travel arrangements can be made.
I'm assuming, Mr. Martin, that of course you're going.
Mr. Savage, I know you're going.
I know I'm going.
Mr. Lessard, are you going, or someone from your party, to the Calgary conference, the CCSD conference?