Pursuant to the orders of reference on Tuesday, October 16, we're now going to look at Bill C-265, An Act to amend the Employment Insurance Act (qualification for and entitlement to benefits).
I want to welcome everyone here today, and certainly our witnesses. I realize that you've probably all come on fairly quick notice, so thank you very much for making your schedule available.
We're still waiting for one more witness, who was given about 24 hours' notice, just slightly less time than you guys were given. What we will do, though, is start the rounds anyway, and when the witness shows up we'll insert him into the lineup.
We have with us today three different groups that are here right now and one more that we're waiting on.
Why don't we start with Mr. Jackson and Ms. Byers from the Canadian Labour Congress. Welcome, again. I know you guys have been here before for various things.
I'm going to give each presenter 10 minutes, or less if they need that. I'll just give you a one-minute warning. Certainly if you're at less time than that, that's fine as well. Then what we'll do is start with a seven-minute round of questions and answers, and then we'll go with five minutes after that. I'll identify you, and the microphones will automatically turn on and off. I think most of you have been here before, but for those who haven't, that's the way it works.
We'll start with a round of Liberal, Bloc, NDP, and Conservative, and we'll proceed in that order.
Welcome, Mr. Jackson and Ms. Byers. We'll give you 10 minutes to get started.