Green Party would extend and improve Employment Insurance system
OTTAWA -- In the wake of negative changes to the employment insurance system, many Newfoundland and Labrador residents are worried about getting through the winter on reduced income levels. “People are already having trouble getting enough days of work to qualify for benefits and now if the Best 14 weeks program is eliminated, it will be that much tougher to pay the bills,” said Green Leader Elizabeth May.
“With climate change bringing probable negative impacts to the various fisheries that the province relies on, the federal government has a responsibility to come up with effective assistance strategies,” said May.
The Best 14 Weeks program was a pilot project introduced in 2003 to allow people to use their highest-paying weeks to qualify for EI benefits, instead of basing a claim on their most recent 14 weeks of employment, which may result in a significant decrease of benefits.
“Seasonal workers in Newfoundland and Labrador often have irregular work schedules and often have to take shift work that results in low paying weeks. The Best 14 weeks program was working and should be maintained,” said Marlene Wells, Green Party Newfoundland & Labrador Council Representative.
The Green Party maintains that the current recession is an ideal time to expand and improve the EI benefits. Economists, such as Ian Lee, Director of the Sprott School of Business, have determined that spending on EI is especially effective in stimulating the economy.
“Those living on EI benefits need every cent to cover the essentials of food and shelter,” said Wells. “In this ongoing recession, expanding the EI system would be a sensible economic measure. New money would not be required; the EI system has a healthy fund built up. Newfoundlanders and Labradorians deserve to access its benefits as many families are struggling,” said Wells.
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Contact Information:
Debra Eindiguer
Press Secretary
Green Party of Canada
c: 613.240.8921
media@greenparty.ca
www.greenparty.ca
