Just days after thousands demonstrated against cuts to the federal Employment Insurance (EI), Atlantic Canada’s premiers are asking Ottawa to suspend the harmful changes to EI.
New Brunswick Premier David Alward, Nova Scotia Premier Darrell Dexter, Prince Edward Island Premier Robert Ghiz and Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Kathy Dunderdale made the statement today at a meeting of Atlantic Premiers, citing the adverse effect they have on the region’s seasonal-based economy.
Under some of the new rules, those who frequently claim EI need to prove they’re actively seeking work. Workers must also accept a job within 100 kilometres of their home as long as they are qualified and the pay is at least 70 per cent of their previous salary.
CUPE has been actively involved with the fight to draw awareness to the impacts of the changes to EI, and have hosted demonstrations, met with politicians, and held informational townhalls.
- For more info, read the article Atlantic premiers call on Ottawa to suspend EI change (The Canadian Press, April 29, 2013)