OTTAWA, ONTARIO, September 5, 2008-Mr. Fabian Manning, Member of Parliament for Avalon, responded to the announcement today from the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, that the Government is c continuing three Employment Insurance (EI) pilot projects to further assess their effects. Minister Solberg also announced that the current EI regional boundaries will remain in place following the conclusion of the boundaries review process.
"O ur government recognizes the importance of testing ways to make EI benefit levels more reflective of full-time work earnings for those with sporadic work patterns, and to encourage claimants to accept all available work," said Mr. Manning. "Therefore, we are continuing, with some modifications, three EI pilot projects to examine their effects on claimants and the labour market. I am particularly pleased that we are continuing to test the Best 14 Weeks pilot project this will go a long way to supporting th e people of Newfoundland that participate in the program."
The Best 14 Weeks pilot project will continue to test a method to make EI benefit levels more reflective of full-time work earnings for those with sporadic work patterns , and to encourage claimants to accept all available work by calculating EI benefits based on the "best 14 weeks" of earnings over the 52 weeks preceding a claim.
The New Entrant/Re-entrant EI pilot project will continue to tes t whether enabling individuals new to the labour market or returning after an extended absence to gain access to EI benefits after 840 hours of work rather than 910 hours, and informing them of EI employment programs, will improve their employability and help reduce future reliance on EI benefits.
The Working While on Claim EI pilot project will continue to test whether an increased earnings threshold will provide a greater incentive for individuals to accept all available work while receiving EI benefits. This pilot project will be expanded nationally to all EI regions.
"This government is making the EI program to be more responsive to changing economic conditions," added Mr. Manning. "The continuation of these pilot s will allow the Government to fully assess the effectiveness of these approaches to help those employed in traditional, seasonal work."
For more information on Minister Solberg's announcement visit news.gc.ca.
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This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.
For further information (media only):
Pema Lhalungpa
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Solberg
819-994-2482
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
