The federal budget is a major disappointment for the National Council of Unemployed Workers (NCUW).
“There is nothing. Not the reform, not even targeted measures to make the program fairer,” said Pierre Céré, spokesperson for the NCUW. “As it does every year, the government is extending the five weeks of additional benefits to seasonal workers in 13 regions across Canada. Once again, it’s temporary and not enough.”
The NCUW also criticizes the government’s refusal to follow its own projections to absorb the pandemic EI fund deficit, preferring instead to reduce the premium rate to an historic low, creating a situation where it is more difficult to make improvements. “By refusing to increase the premium rate even minimally, the government is depriving itself of money, prolonging the EI deficit to better justify its inaction,” said the spokesperson.
Finally, the NCUW questions the reasons behind the government’s change of heart: last year, ministers were still committed to reforming EI.
“Why did the government commit to EI reform if it had no intention of doing so? It has spent $5 million on consultations and research. Ministers and bureaucrats know exactly what needs to be done. What are they waiting for?” continued Pierre Céré. “It looks like they prefer inaction and irresponsibility.”