That was a very insightful question from my good colleague, but I am not surprised at his insight since he too is a member of the 2000 cohort. However, I would say that this is an excellent point.
The Conservatives do not seem to understand that an employment insurance premium is a payroll tax. That is what we learn in economics 100.
As they have said in their recent statements, they will be raising those taxes on jobs at the maximum rate for three years starting in 2011 to the point where the average two-earner family will face increased EI premiums of $1,200 and a small business employing 10 people will face an additional bill of $9,000.
I do not think that the Canadian economy will be in good enough shape to be able to cope with this massive increase in taxes on jobs.