August 12th, 2016

Canada’s unemployment rate keeps rising. What can we do to get back on track?

Numbers released by Statistics Canada last week show a loss of 31,200 jobs since June – that’s the biggest one-month decline in five years.

Here are 3 things Canada needs to do to get back on track:

1) Improve access to Employment Insurance

“The Liberals promised to improve access to EI for Canadians, but it’s still not there for so many who’ve paid into it and now need benefits. In light of these significant job losses, creating a universal qualifying threshold of 360 hours and re-instating the extra five weeks program for all seasonal workers is more critical than ever, and would significantly help areas like Atlantic Canada.”

— Guy Caron, NDP Finance Critic

2) Stimulate youth employment for millennials

Numbers from Statistics Canada also show a sharp decline in part-time jobs among youth aged 15 to 24. The Liberals promised to immediately introduce a youth employment strategy, but failed to include it in Budget 2016.

“This decision is hurting young Canadians just as they are trying to get a foothold in the job market. The Liberals must immediately live up to their campaign promise to spur youth employment for millennials – young Canadians can’t wait for them to do yet more consultations.”

— Niki Ashton, Employment and Workforce Development Critic

3) Support small businesses

The Liberals have also abandoned their commitment to lower the small business tax rate, a move which will reportedly cost small businesses in Canada $2.2 billion over the next four years.

“Given the struggles faced by so many Canadian families, the Liberals should immediately move to encourage job creation and give small businesses the tax break they were promised.”

— Guy Caron, NDP Finance Critic

Take action

Only 4 in 10 out-of-work Canadians actually qualify for employment insurance benefits. Add your name for fair access to EI.

www.ndp.ca/ei