Warning message

Please note that this page is from our archives. There may be more up-to-date content about this topic on our website. Use our search engine to find out.


(Truro) – CUPE Nova Scotia President Danny Cavanagh is very concerned with the federal government’s recently announced cuts to Employment Insurance (EI) benefits.

Says Cavanagh, “These cuts will have a significant and negative affect on rural Nova Scotia. They are primarily aimed at seasonally employed women and men who are a vital part of the provincial economy.  Any cut to their income will be felt by all Nova Scotians.

“Along with the direct financial impact on workers and their families, there are other parts of these cuts that are not getting much attention but are also very significant – for example”, says Cavanagh, “the EI Board of Referees. Now, instead of an open and transparent process, the workers and business appointees will be abolished leaving only political appointments.”

Cavanagh says, “To add insult to injury, none of these changes will go before a parliamentary committee for debate or consideration prior to introduction.  And what’s even worse, the federal minister can make changes at any time at her discretion.

“It seems that the Harper Conservatives are on a mission to wipe out rural communities right across our province”, says Cavanagh. “I am urging Premier Dexter to keep the pressure on Prime Minister Harper and his government. The livelihood of thousands of families here in Nova Scotia is at stake.”