MaryAnn Mihychuk

[Employment, April 11th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, the overall situation for the oil and gas sector, and more broadly the resource sector, has been very tough. In fact, certain areas of Canada have seen enormous and rapid increased unemployment. A target of 2% very rapidly and sustained was identified. When we used that screen on every region of Canada, 12 regions met that target.

We continue to monitor the situation across Canada, and are very proud to be rolling out 2.5 billion dollars' worth of benefits to help those regions and every other Canadian.

[Employment, April 11th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, obviously, we are devastated by the news that there has been this horrible fire in Newfoundland, and we continue to monitor the situation.

There are workers who will be out of work. We are hoping that we are able to assist them in finding other opportunities in the region.

[Employment Insurance, March 24th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, I can say we are very proud to help every region of Canada, including the areas of Quebec and seasonal workers, by reducing the deductible, the waiting period, by improving the quality of our service, by eliminating the 2012 negative changes, and by helping young people, new immigrants, and women from coast to coast to coast.

[Employment, March 24th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, I am very proud to be standing in the House today to talk about the significant investments we are putting in to those workers who, unfortunately, have been hit by layoffs across the country.

Not only are we reducing waiting periods for benefits, but we are improving service quality. We have ended the negative 2012 changes. We have eliminated the punitive measures to youth, women, and new immigrants, and we have helped those regions of Canada—

[Employment, March 21st, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, I had an opportunity to address a national agriculture-agrifood conference in Winnipeg this past week. We talked about a number of changes that are facing the agricultural sector, including very rapid industrial and innovation changes to equipment and the challenges of finding high-skilled operators.

There are new advances in training and skill development, and we are working actively with the agricultural sector.

[Employment Insurance, March 21st, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, we understand that these kinds of lawsuits are difficult, costly, and stressful for the women who are involved in these cases. Unfortunately, I am unable to speak about the case because it is before the courts at this time, but I do look forward to resolving all outstanding issues that are before us.

[Employment Insurance, March 21st, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, it is true that the employment insurance program in Canada needs modernizing and repair. Canadians are waiting too long. It is too difficult to collect the benefits they actually pay for.

It is time, and we are proud to say we are the government that will provide those changes to modernize the EI system.

[The Economy, March 10th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, what I am trying to say is that it is important for us to refocus an employment insurance system that helps workers. That is exactly what we are going to be doing in the upcoming budget.

[The Economy, March 10th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, it is my honour to be standing here with a government that understands that it is time to help workers instead of businesses, and here we have a chance to make a difference for Albertans.

Coming up—

[Status of Women, March 8th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, it is absolutely true that the gap is growing for women, and that more and more are not able to access the very services they deserve. That is why we committed during the election to review the EI system, modernize it, and bring it into today's world, which will serve all Canadians.