moved for leave to introduce Bill C-263, An act to amend the Employment Insurance Act (elimination of waiting period).
Mr. Speaker, first I wish to thank my colleague from Beauséjour for supporting this bill.
Today, I am proud and honoured to introduce this bill, which will help improve the lives of seasonal workers. The purpose of the bill is to eliminate the two-week waiting period that precedes payment of employment insurance benefits. After taking into account the best weeks in previous years, these changes to the Employment Insurance Act will enable seasonal workers to receive employment benefits more quickly.
For several months, I have been working hard in order to introduce this bill in the House of Commons so that the employment insurance system can best meet the needs of seasonal workers.
We are at the first reading stage and I hope that the government will support workers by passing this bill. This program is of vital importance in my riding.
I am therefore very proud of my efforts on behalf of the citizens of Madawaska—Restigouche.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)