Madam Speaker, one of the benefits of the recently announced employment insurance amendments has to do with the fact that coverage is going to be broadened quite considerably. Many people will have access to employment insurance who have not had access to it in the past.
Another significant advantage is the low income protection contained in the amendments. This will allow up to 80 per cent of insurable earnings to be covered for low income families with children.
There are also the advantages in terms of the long term political viability of the program in that high income earners will have a greater percentage of their benefits clawed back. As an Atlantic Canadian, I am somewhat tired of all of those who point to us and talk about all those wealthy people who are drawing unemployment insurance benefits after making large amounts of money. It does not happen very often. By introducing this clawback we will be able to establish that more quickly in the minds of Canadians.
I would also point out the importance of the employment benefit programs that are part of the package. There were 39 in the past which have been reduced to five. Those five programs will now be managed essentially by local officials which means if one element of the package is more suitable to my constituency then all of the attention could be placed in that area. That is a huge improvement.
The job partnership program meets a very real need in my part of Canada. Many people do not acquire enough coverage for the full 52-week period. For example, people are eligible for 26 weeks of insurance benefits yet their summer job or their seasonal job does not start until 10 weeks beyond that.
One of the elements of the new employment benefit package is a job partnership program which will allow job creation opportunities in the communities. This will allow people to fill in that gap when they otherwise would not have benefits or income.
I pay tribute to the minister for last year's consultation. As an Atlantic Canadian, I have been particularly concerned about the bill and the UI changes. I can only say good things about the amount of consultation the minister has allowed and I understand he is going to continue to receive when we look at the bill in committee.