As an MP from British Columbia, I feel the need to respond to my colleague on the other side who knows full well that, while we choose not to ram projects through without the proper assessment, LNG has been sent back because it has not met the environmental requirements as of yet, while we have passed the Woodfibre one, which has passed the environmental requirements. I just felt the need to say that.
My question is for Ms. Mihychuk.
I'm a big believer in EI programs. If we hadn't had some of the EI programs, I would not be sitting here as an MP, because seven years ago I could not find a job. I struggled with the middle-age gap; I struggled with wage gaps. I was just like everybody else: I struggled, too. It was self-employment work program that I was able to get on with Douglas College in one of our regions that allowed me to start my own business, which led me to where I am today.
Having said that, while extending the working while on claim pilot project is an important step in connecting individuals to the labour market and integrating EI claimants back into the job market more successfully, I'd like the minister to please elaborate on how this change in the employment insurance system, as well as other changes in support being offered to EI claimants, will support skills training and workers successfully re-entering the workforce.