Thu Aug. 06 2009 5:23:53 PM
Premiers say EI program needs to be reformed, simplified
The Canadian Press
Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty speaks to media prior to a meeting of the Council of the Federation in Regina, Sask., Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2009.(THE CANADIAN PRESS/Geoff Howe)
REGINA — Canada's premiers spent part of today talking about how to overhaul the employment insurance program, but they haven't completely agreed on what changes they'd like.
The premiers, who are meeting in Regina, want to reduce the number of EI regions -- each with different thresholds to qualify for benefits.
They say the program should be simplified and streamlined and should provide Canadians with equitable support regardless of where they live.
The provincial and territorial leaders also say the program should be reformed with more emphasis on skills training.
But the premiers failed to agree on how many regions there should be --currently there are 58 -- or on the hours of work needed to qualify for EI.
The premiers are also jointly calling on the federal government to hold a national summit on pensions, amid concerns that many Canadians are facing retirement without adequate income.
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August 06, 2009 at 11:16:17 AM
Dave
It seems to me that we are all in this together. If we pay the same premiums (I don't,I am retired), shouldn't everyone qualify the same?
The point is if you don't have and can not find a job, it doesn't matter that the unemployment rate is low in your jurisdiction. You need help period.
August 06, 2009 at 11:52:44 AM
John
Hey Dalton! Here's an idea: instead of worrying about the poor unemployed why don't you do something about the economy so we don't have so many unemployed in the first place! Typical liberal way of doing things-tax those that worked the hardest so that those who have made mistakes can sit back and live for free.
August 06, 2009 at 4:53:07 PM
LOSER TOWN SENIOR
AGREED JOHN ; problem is you have too many on the dole illegally and no watch dogs doing their job. The guy that really needs get screwed -penalized and the loser who screws the system gets welfare for free because that is the way the system is set up and the feds and mcginty are happy to keep it that way so the tax payer who has paid in to this bull shxxt system all his life get d. on a stick and no tax rebate. what a system only in loser town.
August 07, 2009 at 2:42:01 AM
hockeymom
I just have a few things to say, first thing that needs to be done is fix the welfare and disability system. I personally know people who have been deemed disabled (at the age of 30) but can go out partying all night and then sit at home collecting money from us hard working people and actually take home more than I do a month working. It is pretty sad that someone who sits home all day, keeps having kids and collect at least $4000 a month, where is the incentive to work? there is none. People should be watching some of these people who are on the system because there are way too many people who defraud it, but thats just my opinion.
August 07, 2009 at 12:36:41 PM
Dennis
Best way that McGuinty can help Ontario economy is to resign.He throws away money like it's on fire.Is this guy a member of the Mulrony clan.The liberals must be scraping the bottom of the barrel lately,because all they seem to have to offer to Canadians is sludge.Both federal and provincial liberal parties are not worth their weight in pennies.Everything that Mike Harris had accomplished,McGuinty threw away.We would have had a big surplus of funds if McGuinty would have run a responsible government.Reform was throwen out the window along with millions of dollars.According to McGuinty this is just chump change.Congratulations Ontario voters,you cut your own throat.