OTTAWA – A New Democrat Private Member’s Bill sponsored by MP Carol Hughes (Algoma–Manitoulin–Kapuskasing) to introduce employment insurance reforms (C-280) jumped another parliamentary hurdle last night, passing at committee.

Bill C-280 sets a uniform standard of entry of 360 hours for Employment Insurance benefits. It was passed by the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities Committee with one amendment, which increases the scheduled amount of benefits by 5 per cent from the original bill, to a total of 60 per cent.

“I was glad to see the only amendment made was one that improved the end result for the people that need this help,” said Hughes. “This outcome is a step in the right direction.”

Mayor Rick Hamilton of Elliot Lake and Barb Byers and Andrew Jackson from the Canadian Labour Congress appeared as witnesses and testified in support of Hughes` Bill.

“Mayor Hamilton was able to share the perspective of local governments and gave a first-hand account of how Employment Insurance flexibility can really help preserve a town hit hard by job losses,” Hughes said. “The expert technical testimony of the CLC was also of great assistance”

The Bill will now head to third reading in the House of Commons.