Mr. Jerry J. Ouellette: My question is for the Minister of Labour. Minister, I'm sure it would be impossible for you to not know what's transpiring in the auto sector as a whole. The writing has been on the wall for a number of years. I've tried, through methods in this chamber, to highlight the concerns within that industry, and it has been falling out the way I predicted.

Minister, one of the things that took place yesterday was that Buzz Hargrove specifically mentioned that your ministry was becoming involved, or was going to be asked to become involved, with the CAW, assisting in the contractual obligations with the contract between the CAW and General Motors. Can you enlighten us as to what your ministry is doing?

Hon. Brad Duguid: I think the member realizes that this government shares his concerns, as a member who has a number of constituents who are personally impacted by this, for those workers and their families. Obviously, that's our first priority.

As Minister of Labour, of course, I can't get directly involved in discussions and negotiations going on between employers and their workers and representatives. However, our Ministry of Labour officials are available upon request from either or both parties to assist in any way they can to ensure the parties are able to reach resolution on some of these very complex and important issues.

Mr. Jerry J. Ouellette: I thank the minister for the response. It was very specific in mentioning some of the branches or the options that may be available through the Ministry of Labour. Can you enlighten this Legislature as to specifically what options the ministry can enhance or work with to make sure that the contractual obligations are followed through with?

Hon. Brad Duguid: We fully expect GM, as we would any employer across this province but in particular the auto companies, to fulfill all of its obligations with regard to its collective agreements, in particular with regard to the treatment of employees for severance, layoff and termination responsibilities. However, if any of the parties wish to ask for the assistance of the ministry, we are there; we're eager. We have some of the best mediators in the country, who would be more than happy to assist the parties in any way they can as they work through this very difficult time.

As I said, the McGuinty government stands with the auto workers of this province. We recognize the important contribution they've made to our economy. We sympathize with the difficult time that they're going through right now, and certainly our ministry officials would be available to help in any way they can.