Madam Speaker, I can assure my friend from Neigette—Temiscouata—Les Basques that our government is actively exploring potential changes to the employment insurance program. I know that my colleague is very passionate. We represent similar ridings where seasonal industries really drive local economies. The changes that have been undertaken in the past have had an adverse effect on many of the aspects of the communities where the fish are caught and the crops are harvested.
We want to make sure the EI program is more responsive to the needs of Canadian workers and employers. Consultations will be well under way in the coming months. Our government will work with parliamentarians, provincial and territorial colleagues, as well as members of the public. Something that is a bit novel but worthwhile is that we will hold a number of forums, such as town halls and social media, to get the input of Canadians.
Our government is sensitive to the ongoing situation in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and across the country as a result of lower commodity prices. I see it in my own riding of Cape Breton—Canso, where we have long been a pool of very mobile skilled labour. We are carefully monitoring the situation, and we are working to help people who have lost their jobs return to work as quickly as possible.
The EI program is designed to respond to economic changes. The system is flexible and responsive to deteriorating economic conditions and changes in local labour markets. For example, when a region's unemployment rate rises, the entrance requirement is reduced and the duration of benefits increases. The duration of EI benefits has increased in all four economic regions of Alberta. In northern Alberta specifically, more people are qualifying for EI because the unemployment rate is now higher. The qualifications for benefits have dropped from 630 hours of work down to 455 hours, making EI more accessible.
In addition, the minimum entitlement has gone from 17 weeks to 24 weeks of support, and the maximum entitlement has gone from 40 weeks to 45 weeks, the highest level of support in the country.
The government is looking into possible measures that could be used to help those most affected. Budget 2016 will signal early changes to the EI program and outline subsequent steps for reform. More broadly, we are committed to take action in a number of areas to ensure the EI program is responsive to the needs of Canadians. This includes eliminating discrimination against workers who are newly entering the workforce or re-entering the workforce, reversing the 2012 changes to the employment insurance system related to suitable job search and employment, and I know my colleague has spoken about this, investing in labour market development agreements with the provinces, developing more flexible parental benefits, reducing wait times and improving service standards, and reducing EI premiums.
We want to hear from Canadians on this. We believe Canadians have a role to play in building effective policies and programs. Our government will seek opportunities to gather ideas and perspectives to deliver on our priorities.
I look forward to working with my colleague to make these improvements a reality for Canadians.