Evidence of meeting #10 for Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities in the 42nd Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was fishing.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Liberal
Liberal
Yves Robillard Liberal Marc-Aurèle-Fortin, QC
Great. Thank you.
Ms. Arruda, you maintain that every unemployed worker should be assured a level of income replacement that affords them dignity and respect.
With that in mind, could you describe for us how you and the people you represent have been impacted by the changes made to the EI program in 2012-13?
Coordinator, Mouvement autonome et solidaire des sans-emploi (réseau québécois)
It has been extremely hard on everyone. The whole notion of suitable employment, the notion of putting unemployed workers into categories and saying that some were more deserving than others, was entirely new. That wasn't part of the old program.
As far as an unemployed worker's interaction with the labour market is concerned, they are required to apply for lower-paying jobs that do not match their skills, interests, education, or training. People became afraid. They had all kinds of fears. It essentially amounted to a denial of their rights; that's really what it was. We cannot lose sight of the fact that the freedom of choice of employment and unemployment protection are fundamental rights. Understandably, then, people were extremely afraid.
Municipalities and businesses in Quebec were also afraid in the wake of these changes and the treatment essentially targeting frequent claimants. When people are forced to take whatever job they can find as quickly as possible, a lot is lost.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Bryan May
That brings us to the hour, and I want to use my privilege as chair to put a final question to our friends from Prince Edward Island.
What are the early estimates? How are we doing?
Executive Director, Prince Edward Island Fishermen's Association
The catches are down a little bit. The water is still cold, but the quality of the lobster is excellent, so that's a good sign. We're going to see a good price, so that's encouraging too.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Bryan May
Excellent. Thank you.
I really do appreciate you guys joining us by Skype today.
Thank you to all of our witnesses and thank you to all the members of the committee.
Welcome back, again, to our clerk. Unfortunately, we're losing one of our analysts, so I wish her all of the best in her future role at the justice department. They are getting somebody very good. Our loss is their gain. Thank you very much.
Again, as always, thank you to all the technicians and the translators, who make me sound fantastic in French.
The meeting is adjourned.
