Mr. Speaker, once again I rise to bring petitions to this House regarding EI pilot projects.
Back in 2005, under the Liberal government, Minister Lucienne Robillard brought in pilot projects that allowed people primarily engaged in seasonal work to get EI and greater benefits. The system had been created such that there was a disincentive for seasonal workers. What I mean by that is that the system was set up so that they would count the last 14 weeks. In other words, if they only worked two or three days per week, the average amount of benefit would be reduced because the average would come down. Therefore, the measures we introduced in 2005 allowed them to receive greater benefits because they used the best 14 weeks and the average would come up.
The other pilot projects, of course, included being able to make 40% income before being clawed back and other measures to be included.
These two petitions come from New World Island in my riding, including towns of Summerford, Pikes Arm, Cobbs Arm, Toogood Arm also, which a great little community, Parkview and Twillingate. Mr. Speaker, you have been in my riding; maybe you could include a couple of those towns that even I missed.
However, I want to congratulate these people for bringing these petitions to the House. Hopefully soon we will get these measures and not just an eight-month extension but a permanent extension to these EI pilot projects.