Evidence of meeting #18 for Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities in the 39th Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was cost.
A recording is available from Parliament.
NDP
Yvon Godin NDP Acadie—Bathurst, NB
--I'd like to look again at the difference between the best 14 weeks and the 12 weeks. We've had a pilot project going on for a few years now.
Is that the difference between that one? Is that being considered?
Director General, Employment Insurance Policy, Skills and Employment Branch, Department of Human Resources and Social Development
No, these don't--
NDP
Yvon Godin NDP Acadie—Bathurst, NB
I mean, it's already in the budget. I just don't see how they will take it out. It will be a pilot forever; we're just looking for the co-pilot now.
Director General, Employment Insurance Policy, Skills and Employment Branch, Department of Human Resources and Social Development
For the purposes of giving the committee information today, we've costed these not taking into account a pilot project. Those are temporary measures.
NDP
Director General, Employment Insurance Policy, Skills and Employment Branch, Department of Human Resources and Social Development
I would have to check, but yes.
To be clear, though, these estimates are national numbers if these changes were implemented nationally and permanently.
Director General, Employment Insurance Policy, Skills and Employment Branch, Department of Human Resources and Social Development
For the NERE, yes.
Director General, Employment Insurance Policy, Skills and Employment Branch, Department of Human Resources and Social Development
If you'd just give me a moment, I'll see if I can find that cost....
I don't have that cost with me. I'll have to check it. I can easily provide it to the committee.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Dean Allison
I have some names here on the same question.
Mr. Lake, then Mr. Savage.
Conservative
Mike Lake Conservative Edmonton—Mill Woods—Beaumont, AB
So you have the $310 million, but in addition to that there's the cost for the 12-week clause as well. Mr. Savage isn't taking out the 12-week clause, I believe.
Director General, Employment Insurance Policy, Skills and Employment Branch, Department of Human Resources and Social Development
That's right.
Conservative
Mike Lake Conservative Edmonton—Mill Woods—Beaumont, AB
So what would that be again? I know you said that before, but....
Director General, Employment Insurance Policy, Skills and Employment Branch, Department of Human Resources and Social Development
That is estimated at $320 million per year, and 480,000 clients.
Conservative
Mike Lake Conservative Edmonton—Mill Woods—Beaumont, AB
So to clarify, then, we're talking about, with Mr. Savage's amendment, $630 million in total.
Director General, Employment Insurance Policy, Skills and Employment Branch, Department of Human Resources and Social Development
There are some other elements of the bill to reflect as well. The Savage amendment, as we understand it, would not change the fixed entrance requirement at 360 hours for special benefits only. I believe that aspect of the bill would stand. That has a cost to itself.
Director General, Employment Insurance Policy, Skills and Employment Branch, Department of Human Resources and Social Development
It's $200 million per year, 25,000 claimants.
That part of Bill C-265 would be left standing.
Conservative
Director General, Employment Insurance Policy, Skills and Employment Branch, Department of Human Resources and Social Development
Our understanding is that this flows from clause 2.