Mr. Speaker, I have been receiving a growing number of letters from constituents regarding unemployment insurance premiums and benefits, one of which reads as follows:
As an unemployed person who is required to pay unemployment insurance premiums, I am incensed at the recent government decision to increase premium rates instead of reducing program costs. My after tax dollars are scarce to begin with, I don't need them shrunken further!
Unemployment insurance should provide only benefits for people who find themselves unexpectedly out of work. I cannot afford all the other benefits the government seems to want to build into the system.
The letter lists seven items which the writer thinks should be cut. I will provide a copy of that to the appropriate minister.
The letter concludes:
As the Member of Parliament for my riding, I request your support in making the unemployment insurance system more effective and affordable.