Caucus pleased to see Ottawa backtrack on some EI changes

Sonny Gallant, Government House Leader and chairman of the Standing Committee on Fisheries, Transportation and Rural Development, said he is pleased to see the federal government take into consideration some of the concerns raised by Islanders on the changes to employment insurance.

“A number of Island workers and employers have expressed concerns over these changes, notably the working while on claim pilot, where some workers are receiving a reduction in benefits since these changes came into effect — now, in part due to our committee’s good work, we are told the federal government has changed their stance on the working while on claim pilot and we hope they will consider changes to some of the other concerns that Islanders have raised,” Gallant said.

“As the cloud of confusion over the changes continues, our committee ( heard) a presentation from Malpeque and Cardigan MPs Wayne Easter and Lawrence MacAulay ( Wednesday) evening, who will present a study by the independent Library of Parliament where various scenarios were outlined and showed that most Islanders would be worse off when it comes to the changes. We are looking forward to Mr. Easter presenting his findings.”

Seasonal workers have valuable skills, knowledge and experience and we feel the changes may not recognize their value.

Gallant said the province wants to work with the federal government to achieve positive outcomes for workers and employers as well as the economy.