Hon. J. R. Nicholson (Minister of Labour):

The Unemployment Insurance Commission advises: 1. A letter, transmitting the government statement of policy with respect to the obligations of public servants employed in a managerial or confidential capacity, was circulated to certain persons in the Unemployment Insurance Commission. This letter, in explaining the contents of the policy statement, inadvertently went beyond the policy statement in some respects. Subsequently, the persons so advised were asked to disregard the letter and to govern themselves by the formal policy statement.

2. Not applicable.

3. Not applicable.

4. Not applicable.

27053-511J

Questions

Hon. J. R. Nicholson (Minister of Labour):

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to be able to inform the hon. member and other interested members that the Murchison report, together with recommendations based therein, which were made by my department after discussions with the teamsters' council, the trucking companies and other interested bodies and persons, have been laid before the government. A decision has been reached and an order in council implementing same is in the course of preparation. I hope to issue a press release on the subject before the end of the week.

March 27, 1968

Mr. Nicholson:

On a point of order, my hon. friend, the hon. member for Renfrew North, did not rise on a question of privilege but to take part in this debate. In the course of doing so he drew attention to a statement which was erroneous, not in accordance with the facts.

Mr. Nicholson:

There is no reason why not, if the good will that we hope will be shown by both parties is exhibited before the conciliation board.

Hon. J. R. Nicholson (Minister of Labour):

Mr. Speaker, as I reported in the house a few days ago, the conciliation board chaired by Associate Chief Judge Gold has been working assiduously. Hearings opened last Friday and the parties have been at it more or less continuously this week. I get periodic reports, including one received today from the Minister without Portfolio who, at my request, has been taking a special interest in this matter. Encouraging progress is being made. That is about all I can say at this time.