moved for leave to introduce Bill C-442, an act to amend the Employment Insurance Act (section 15).
Mr. Speaker, I hope the bill I am introducing today at first reading will go through second and third reading faster than some of the bills, just as relevant, that were introduced by my colleagues.
It is aimed at correcting what are known as short weeks, which penalize seasonal or casual workers when they apply for EI benefits with respect to a given period of time during the year.
As we know, about six out of ten unemployed workers do not qualify for EI even though they have paid into the plan. If passed, my bill would amend the Employment Insurance Act and remedy the situation of thousands of low income workers who, because they unfortunately work on a seasonal or casual basis, have to show proof of the number of hours they worked or be penalized in their income.
On behalf of these workers and their families, I would appreciate prompt passage of this bill.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)