Thomas Hockin (Minister for Science; Minister of State (Small Businesses and Tourism))
Progressive Conservative
Hon. Tom Hockin (Minister for Science and Minister of State (Small Businesses and Tourism)):
Madam Speaker, my hon. friend poses a very real problem for all industrialized countries. The level of unemployment is very high. It is higher than we would like in Canada. This government has never said anything opposite.
Oral Questions
What we are trying to do is to put in place a level of confidence so jobs will be created and investment will be created. I have some good news for the member on that.
We have had real a GDP increase 3.5 per cent in the fourth quarter. A trend in unemployment is heading down. As I have said employment has increased in 10 of the last 12 months. Our exports are very strong. Consumer confidence is improving. The Conference Board of Canada's index of consumer attitudes increased 5 per cent in the first quarter. Business confidence is up. Construction spending is also up.
All these are signs that we can get our unemployment rate down and start to create the kinds of jobs that all members of the House would like to see us create.
Subtopic: EMPLOYMENT