Finance committee  As I mentioned in the previous round of questions, the regions were determined in 2017 for the 2018 to 2021 pilot. There were two conditions they had to meet. They had to have an unemployment rate higher than the national average, which at the time was 6.3%. Those regions also ha

Finance committee  That's correct. The measure is being extended by one year, up to October 28, 2024.

Finance committee  When the 13 regions were initially chosen back in 2017, they were chosen in part because there were higher than average unemployment rates in each of those regions. I don't have the most recent numbers with me. However, as you know, the unemployment rate has decreased significant

Finance committee  Yes, that is information we can provide.

Finance committee  That's correct. The pilot that was done from 2018 to 2021 found that in the reference period, which is 2013, 10% of seasonal claimants did have a gap between the end of their EI benefits and the start of their subsequent season.

Finance committee  That's correct.

Finance committee  The reason is that this was a year in which there were no additional supports provided to seasonal claimants.

Finance committee  Not all seasonal claimants need the extra weeks. A lot of them return to work before they even need additional weeks. Among those who do need them, they took on average 3.9 additional weeks of benefits, and based on the pilot, we know that approximately 42% of eligible claimants

Finance committee  There is an evaluation. It is publicly available. It is on the web.

Finance committee  The other reason we're targeting claimants in those regions in particular is that they have a higher than average percentage of seasonal workers compared to other regions across the country. That, combined with the higher unemployment rates on average, means that it's more diffic

Finance committee  I think we'll have to take note of your question and get back to you with an answer, because that doesn't fall under our purview.

Finance committee  Yes, you are correct. Crediting the EI operating account to absorb the pandemic-related expenditures would require legislation. I also want to mention that the premium rate is $1.63. The EI chief actuary's latest forecast puts the seven-year break-even rate at $1.73. That forec

Human Resources committee  This is a question we'll have to come back to the committee on. We'll have to consult with our parliamentary budget office colleagues.

Human Resources committee  Thank you for your question. As I mentioned earlier, it is important to bear in mind that there are other supports available to people who cannot return to work after receiving 26 weeks of benefits. For example, long-term benefits are available to many Canadian employees. This i

Human Resources committee  Thank you for the question. I would just say that the government has not yet announced its plan for the modernization of EI. This is something that will be announced later this year.