That's a very good solution.
Certainly the seasonal workers were in a black hole. A provincial government pilot project ended in late March. At that point, I received many calls, over 300 in one week. People were calling me because many of them were in a black hole and had no income. These people had to turn to the Canada emergency response benefit for help. They were then able to return to work.
I think that it's necessary to look at the employment insurance system as a whole to be able to meet the needs of seasonal workers. Can we fish in the winter? Can we make a living from tourism in the winter? Can we pick blueberries in the winter? Can we harvest peat in the winter? Can we cut wood in the winter? The answer to each of these questions is no.
We must avoid judging seasonal workers. These people work 70 to 80 hours a week on cement, in the heat and with sweat running down their foreheads. The reason is not that they don't want to work, but that it's all they have.
We mustn't forget the economic importance of seasonal workers, who constitute the backbone of 60% of Canada's economy. Today, stores are open. Who's running them? Retired people and seasonal workers.
Full-time workers—I have nothing against them—work in offices until 5 p.m. or later. From 9 a. m. to 5 p. m., who keeps the businesses running? Seasonal workers. They're very important to the economy.
It's important, if not essential, to study the employment insurance system and the current situation as a whole. The COVID-19 pandemic has given us momentum and the opportunity to change things. I think that it's necessary to change the areas and hours and to look at the employment insurance needs of all workers.
The COVID-19 pandemic is sending us a message. We need change. We need to dust off the furniture.