Thank you for your question.
First of all, the changes announced by the government about two weeks ago are positive ones. However, as to whether they will help fishery or forestry workers, the answer is no, they will not. The changes won't be much good for these individuals because year after year, they are unfortunately forced to rely on employment insurance. They will not receive any assistance. If you tell me that there are approximately 200,000 workers in Canada and if you were to ask me if I oppose this bill—I think that's what it's called, although I'm no expert like the members here are—, I would tell you that it's nice to want to help people, but that the bill does not go far enough.
We need to remember that employment insurance is a form of insurance. Automobile insurance is insurance to which both parties agree. I often give the example of occupational health and safety. A representative of the Canadian Council of Archives took the floor and discussed the archives. The first document signed by the federation in 1918 was aimed at insuring New Brunswick workers against workplace accidents. The employee would not take action against the employer who in return, would agree to provide guaranteed insurance. It's important to know the story. I've strayed a little from the subject at hand, but I merely wanted to say we mustn't forget that employment insurance is a form of insurance.