I would like to say something.
I lived in Elliot Lake for 27 years. My husband was laid off. Collecting EI was not our choice, but at least it was an available option until he could find another job. I find it rather surprising that people who need benefits are being told that there was money in the fund, but that there is no longer enough money because some of the funds were diverted for other purposes. These funds are a form of insurance. We need to think about that long and hard. A worker who loses his job needs to be able to access EI. That worker shouldn't have to accumulate 600 or 700 hours of employment in order to qualify.
I know of many people in my riding who worked in the forestry industry and who lost their job as a result of the economic crisis.
I guess you could call it the ripple effect.
In communities like Manitouwadge, Wawa and Smooth Rock Falls, people are at a loss as to what to do. They do not know where to turn. They need EI to continue building and reshaping their community.