I would say that the employment insurance program is an advantage to seasonal workers. However, as I mentioned in my presentation, we certainly see recommendations from across the different sectors that make up the tourism industry that a reduction in the EI premium rate would help small businesses and their employees.
The recommendation on record is to reduce the EI premium rate from 1.66% to 1.58%. This would allow us to put money back in the pockets of both employees and employers.
When we speak to the restaurant industry in particular, we talk about it being the fourth-largest private employer, and, as I said, lower EI premiums would channel more funds into the hands of a significant number of young workers, particularly in the accommodation and food services sector.