Mr. Speaker, as promised, I am announcing a new work force adjustment program. This program will provide a wide range of benefits to employees whose positions are declared surplus as a result of the government's reform initiatives, including restraint and the consolidation of departments.
The benefits under the program apply until April 1, 1994, and a wide variety of options are available. Employees whose positions are declared surplus will have hiring priority for their entire surplus period. It is expected that it will be possible to locate alternate jobs for the majority of affected employees. Those who are not able to identify alternative jobs will be eligible for retraining and education leave assistance for up to one year. The enhanced skills that they obtain during this year should help prepare them for appointment to another job. Finally, if it is not possible to place all employees, enhanced severance payments will be available.
Mr. Speaker, I am confident that a solid work force adjustment program will provide a degree of security for our staff over the next two years. This will be essential for the implementation of change.
Members will note that the proposed budget reduction for 1992-93 will affect only a few employees. While the government deleted approximately 160 positions, only 21 employees will be declared surplus. To achieve this, many positions were left vacant to avoid the need to lay off staff.
We will do all we can over the next few months to provide choices for displaced employees and to assist staff members in coping with change. Thank you.