As we see it, any surplus in the EI fund should be used to enhance the program. I am not aware of any employment insurance system in the world where only 40% of contributors are able to access benefits when they need them. That is the first thing. The other thing is that the level of income replacement, which used to be at 60% of maximum insurable earnings, has also dropped. We believe the rate should be restored to at least 60% and that the maximum insurable earnings threshold should be reviewed.
A truly separate fund would need to be created. The money in the EI fund comes from workers as well as businesses. Business should manage the fund. It should not be a component of the government's reporting entity, as is currently the case, in light of the ruling that was issued a year or two ago.