The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
The federal NDP has tabled a motion that will deliver important Employment Insurance benefits for workers in regions of the country often hampered by high unemployment. "This motion is an important step forward for thousands of Canadians, the majority of whom are women and seasonal workers," Jack Layton, NDP Leader said. "It won't recast the entire EI system, but it will make a real difference in the lives of people in the places that are hardest hit by unemployment." "This motion corrects a significant injustice in the EI system. It will not be needed by every Canadian, but in those communities where work is not always readily accessible, it will lead to greater self sufficiency as it better reflects the realities of the 21st century economy," said Layton. "This is an essential measure that will deliver concrete results for people when they need it most," NDP MP Yvon Godin said. "It will finally allow workers in industries such as fishing and forestry, women and seasonal workers to access the EI benefits they have worked for."ÊÊÊÊÊ The NDP motion will provide EI benefits for Canadians in regions with high unemployment rates (10 percent or greater).Ê Benefits will be based on the best 12 weeks of income in the previous 52 weeks before a claim or the best 12 weeks of income since the beginning of the last claim, whichever period is shorter. "Just as we did with the ban on trans fats, the NDP is using its opposition day motion to deliver results for people," Layton said.
