Mr. Speaker, on the eve of the federal budget, the rumour mill has been running non stop about changes to the employment insurance program. We are not about to forget the Liberal Party's election promises, or the $46 billion surplus in the EI fund.
While the workers are asking for major changes to the program, to allow them to qualify and to eliminate the gap, the government turns around and cuts premiums by 3¢, as a favour to the Conservatives.
Yet, the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills Development, Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities made the point in its latest report, with 20 recommendations stressing that the need for changes to be made to EI by the government.
It was recommended that benefits be calculated on the basis of the best 12 weeks of employment over the past 12 months and that the qualification requirement for new entrants be set at 360 hours.
The Liberal members who were defeated in the last election know that employment insurance is a major issue. It is therefore important that tomorrow's budget reflect these needs, in order to respond to our country's seasonal economy.