Mr. Speaker, the changes to the employment insurance program were made to help EI claimants return to work as quickly as possible.
We understand that people who want to work sometimes lose their jobs through no fault of their own. Employment insurance will be there for them to provide them with temporary income support while they look for a job or upgrade their skills.
Our government recognizes that some Canadians are going through trying times. As I have said many times before in the House, for those who are unable to find work, EI will continue to be there for them, as it has always been.
I would also like to add that our government is focused on job creation, economic growth and long-term prosperity. Those remain our biggest priorities.