Hidden away in the 400-plus page Budget Implementation Bill is a small section on changes to the Employment Insurance (EI) system. There's no explanation in the Budget, because the intention is to impose the details through regulations later. Last week, in response to increasing speculation, Diane Finley, the Minister responsible for Employment Insurance, did outline the government's plans for Employment Insurance changes.
The intentions behind the changes seem sensible enough - to make sure unemployed Canadians get a chance at filling available jobs in Canada before companies bring in temporary foreign workers, and to make sure unemployed Canadians aren't abusing the EI system. The system they've come up with however seems awfully complicated, dividing EI claimants into three categories, and having their EI benefits scaled depending on their EI history and how long their claim lasts. It seems like the government is putting in place something that will require a lot more monitoring at a time when government is cutting back on staff. CBC reports the government is also dismantling its two review boards which hear appeals on EI decisions. Time will tell, and I expect a few Premiers will have more to say about these changes too.
Looking for Employment
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