moved for leave to introduce C-278, An Act to amend the Employment Insurance Act (improvement of the employment insurance system).
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to introduce, seconded by my colleague from Chambly—Borduas, Bill C-278, an act to amend the Employment Insurance Act (improvement of the employment insurance system).
Through this bill, I would like to change the law to make it a fair instrument to help all workers faced with the hardships of unemployment. We all know that the present EI plan has reduced access to benefits for an ever greater number of workers.
The reduction in the length of the benefit period and in the rate of benefits has contributed to making low and medium income wage earners poorer. We have to recognize that women and the young are those most affected by the restrictions in the Employment Insurance Act.
The intent behind this bill is to give the term “insurance” its broadest meaning for those who lose their job. I urge all members to support this bill.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)