Hon. Pat Carney (President of the Treasury Board):

Mr. Speaker, I am very disappointed that the Hon. Member has

July 15, 1988

not congratulated this Government for being the first one to accentuate employment equity and to set targets for the employment not only of women but also of the disabled, natives, and visible minority groups.

Yesterday we published a report called On Target which indicated that in the first three years of this very important program we increased the number of women in the scientific and professional groups. It is reflected in the report that the increase was from 5,305 in 1985 to 5,580 in 1988.1 think that should answer the Hon. Member's concern.

Hon. Pat Carney (President of the Treasury Board):

In so

far as the Treasury Board Secretariat is concerned, yearly grants were made to the Institute of Public Administration: $150,000 fiscal year 1985/86, $150,000 fiscal year 1986/87, $150,000 fiscal year 1987/88.

The purpose of the grant is to provide financial assistance to the Institute whose main objective is "to promote amongst members of the federal, provincial and municipal public services in Canada and Canadian universities and colleges the study of public administration with a view to better service the public interest". This relates directly to the objective of the Treasury Board Program, by providing a forum which is seeking to improve the processes of Government and the performance of public administration.

Hon. Pat Carney (President of the Treasury Board):

Mr. Speaker, I believe that the Hon. Member is aware that this issue is being given serious consideration by the Bureau. The Hon. Member is also aware that our policy does permit the sale of land surplus to government needs, and that this can be used for housing, if that is the appropriate use.

The Hon. Member may be advised that such land is usually offered to municipal authorities before it is offered to individual developers. The matter is being given consideration.

Hon. Pat Carney (President of the Treasury Board):

Mr. Speaker, the decision by the Public Service Staff Relations Board is important because it does point out that the integrity of the entire bargaining process is at stake. It was very important that the PSSRB found bad faith bargaining on the part of the union in the case of this particular group.

With regard to what we are going to do, the Hon. Member knows that we are ready to listen to any constructive proposals put forward at this time. We are ready to resume negotiations at any time according to the provisions of the law governing labour relations.

Hon. Pat Carney (President of the Treasury Board):

Mr. Speaker, I can assure the Hon. Member that there is no gag order in a case like this. There are certain guidelines that have been developed by the courts on the rights of public servants to speak against government policy.

It is the duty of public servants to carry out and administer public policy. There are certain limitations that must be followed.