As the Liberal Party of Canada holds its National Convention in Ottawa, the National Council of Unemployed Workers (NCUW) denounces the federal government’s abandonment of its commitment to reform Employment Insurance (EI).
“At the convention, the Liberals will debate resolutions on establishing a basic income program, creating a transitional skills development program, affordable housing and providing four weeks of paid vacations. How ironic! Is it really the time now, after a budget that betrayed the commitments of this government on the social safety net?” asked Pierre Céré, spokesperson for the NCUW. “We find this very insulting for workers and tenants across the country. They are the ones left behind by the last budget. Should they be satisfied with empty promises in front of a room full of delegates and observers who have paid up to $1600 to attend the Convention? This is even more insulting!”
The National Council of Unemployed Workers considers reforming EI, Canada’s most important social program, as a fundamental part of strengthening the social safety net.
“Our message to the Liberals is the following: Before you think about your next election promises, could you at least keep the ones you’ve previously made? That would be the least you could do”.