We have learned of the extension of the temporary Employment Insurance (EI) measures announced by the federal government in the context of the trade war with the United States, as well as the new temporary measure regarding voluntary resignations.
First and foremost, this new one-year extension of the measures suspending the waiting period and the rules governing the processing of separation payments is very good news. It demonstrates once again the need for these measures to become permanent, thereby eliminating the administrative barriers that prevent people from accessing their benefits.
We have previously made our position clear regarding the measure granting additional weeks of employment insurance benefits to “long-tenured workers.” We would have preferred that the government revert to its measure expanding eligibility to EI rather than perpetuating an unnecessary and arbitrary division among workers. This leaves behind those in the most precarious situations, who will need support to weather the current economic storm.
Finally, the new temporary measure—set to last one year—that eliminates unfair penalties for workers who voluntarily left their jobs in recent months is a very positive step forward. Limiting the exclusion to the most recent job held will allow for greater flexibility in the labour market during this period of uncertainty and economic hardship, while avoiding an excessive burden on the EI administrative system. We have been calling for such a measure for several years.
The NCUW believes that the aim should always be to provide all workers with real protection in the event of unemployment, regardless of any economic storms that may arise, through measures that are fair and adapted to the realities of the 21st century