Signing of the Canada-Quebec Labour Market Agreement in Principle

The historic labour market agreement in principle that we are signing today with the Government of Québec will help all Quebec workers who are looking for a job.

We have taken another step in the direction in which we committed ourselves to moving: that of helping Canadians find employment. More than ever, jobs are a priority for our government and for all Canadians.

I am proud today to be following up on the commitment I made in November 1995 and which was reiterated in the 1996 Speech from the Throne. This agreement demonstrates that our governments can work together to find practical solutions that are adapted to the real problems of Quebecers. It also demonstrates the Government of Canada's determination to renew the federation, step by step, in an orderly fashion, and in the interests of all Canadians.

Last May, we offered all provinces the possibility of assuming responsibility for employment-related services and programs, and thus adapting them to their specific circumstances and needs.

I am pleased that our flexible approach has allowed us to conclude an agreement that reflects the specific concerns and needs of Quebecers.

The Government of Canada's initiative which has led to the Canada-Québec agreement responds to a consensus expressed by Québec stakeholders and partners in this area.

We are guaranteeing the Government of Québec nearly $3 billion over the next five years. This money will make it possible to establish the services and programs the province deems most appropriate for meeting the needs of Quebecers.

In addition, Quebecers who so request, will continue to have access to these programs and services in English.

All Québec workers seeking employment will benefit from the positive impacts of this agreement in principle. In terms of effectiveness and efficiency, Québec as a whole will benefit.

This brings to five the number of agreements signed. The Canada-Québec agreement in principle follows agreements concluded with Manitoba a few days ago, Newfoundland a few weeks ago, and Alberta and New Brunswick last December. The offer we made to the provinces bears witness to great flexibility. Each agreement is different and reflects the realities and needs of each of the provinces.

Discussions are progressing with the other provincial governments, and I am confident that more agreements will be concluded soon in the best interests of all Canadians.

The agreements concluded are concrete evidence of our willingness to work together to bring services and decision-making closer to Canadians, as I promised in Verdun on October 24, 1995.

It was with a view to providing high-quality public services that my government undertook, in co-operation with the provinces and territories, to clarify the roles and responsibilities of governments, reduce needless duplication and overlap, and simplify government services and make them more accessible. This co-operation is now yielding concrete results.

The Canada-Québec agreement in principle reflects this focus on greater co-operation, and better service to citizens. It is also based on a national framework provided by the Employment Insurance Act.

I would be remiss if I did not make special mention of the efforts and the work of my colleague Minister Pierre Pettigrew. The agreements concluded to date, and in particular the one we are signing today, are the result of his determination.

I know that it is not easy for a number of Canadians to find work. That is why we are doing everything possible to help those who are having problems in finding a job.

The labour market agreement in principle that we are signing today responds to the major concerns of Quebecers. It is the most recent in a series of accomplishments aimed at renewing our federation.

We have also made progress in numerous other areas, such as the anti-gang initiative, the infrastructure program and linguistic school boards, to name just a few. It shows that, when we have the interests of Quebecers at heart and put aside our political differences, we can work together and reach an agreement, in order to better serve the interests of all Québec citizens.