employment insurance

There were two announcements this week around employment insurance -- both framed as "being more responsive to local labour market conditions."

A new report from the PBO suggests that the Conservatives will balance the budget ahead of schedule. But, and it's a big but, if there were no EI surplus, there would be no balanced budget in 2016.

Even when workers are employed full time, many are vulnerable to temporary layoffs, yet no longer qualify for benefits.

Labour news summary from Sept. 11 to Sept. 23

Finance Minister Jim Flaherty announced a three-year freeze on Employment Insurance (EI) premiums, ostensibly because a stronger job market has alleviated the need for additional premium revenue.

Monte Solberg, the former Conservative cabinet minister responsible for Employment Insurance, proposed to eliminate the program in a recent Sun Media column.

Statistics Canada reported this week that 12,290 fewer Canadians received Employment Insurance (EI) benefits in May compared to April. EI benefits are shrinking far faster than unemployment.

A recap of the week's top labour stories. Bangladesh factory collapse kills hundreds; EI protests to kick off week of action for workers' rights; SK court ruling on Charter right to strike overturned.

The Council of Canadians is working with the Canadian Labour Congress and Common Causes to support lobby days and demonstrations against the Harper government's cutbacks to Employment Insurance.