The National Council of Unemployed Workers (NCUW) calls for the rapid adoption by the House of Commons of Bill C-24 temporarily establishing a universal employment insurance benefit period of 50 weeks for demands started since September 27, 2020.
“This is a major: by the end of the month, unemployed workers will have completed their unemployment benefit period which, for many, was a total of 26 weeks, but the crisis is far from over”, said Pierre Céré, spokesperson for the NCUW.
“This extension is important for thousands of families who are struggling to get through this crisis. Their fate is now in the hands of Parliamentarians. Our message to them is simple: every citizen has the right to go through this crisis with dignity. We will all be stronger and more united. You must therefore adopt this bill,” continued Pierre Céré.
The National Council of the Unemployed Workers is calling on the federal government to reform the entire EI program, using the temporary measures as a starting point. The NCUW has brought together more than 270 organizations, unions, municipalities and elected officials around Resolution EI-21, calling for such a reform.
“A permanent reform is possible and necessary, for a system which is fairer, more accessible and better adapted to new realities”, concluded the spokesperson.