Hon. Peter Harder: My supplementary question goes back to Senator Yussuff’s reference to Bill C-39 and the policy choice the government has taken with respect to section 107 regarding requirements of the minister to direct the Canada Industrial Relations Board.

We have heard testimonies and conversations with critics who suggest that you should have gone further. Could you elaborate on the policy choice that was taken and why going further was discarded?

Hon. John Zerucelli, P.C., M.P., Secretary of State (Labour): Thank you very much. I welcome this opportunity, so thank you for raising that question, senator. There are also people who said we went too far.

I know many senators here are studying Bill C-39, and it will come to you at some point for a vote. I think the starting point that I want senators to hear from me is this: The obligation to negotiate is on the parties. It is not the government’s obligation. The obligation is on employers and unions to come together and fix relationships they have. I know that Minister Hajdu has been in this chamber before, and she might have informed you that, after significant consultation and based on data from —

[Translation]

The Hon. the Speaker: Thank you, secretary.