Mr. Speaker, Canadians in my riding support the new EI system because they know it is fairer and more in step with today's job market. Its hours based system better reflects the way people work and now protects many workers not covered under the old system. It helps those most in need through active measures which help them get back to work and improve their skills, through income supplements for families with children and low income earners and through two special funds, an $800 million investment in re-employment benefits and a $300 million transitional jobs fund for areas of high unemployment.
Because of these facts, I call on my colleagues to think twice before they criticize this revised program which is helping unemployed Canadians cope with the world of work in the information society of today.