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August 21st, 2014

Conservative cuts continuing to take a toll on EI

A new report today from Statistics Canada shows that Employment Insurance claims are up by over 10%, but the number of people receiving benefits fell by over 2,500. More evidence of how Canadians are paying the price for Conservative cuts to EI.

“Conservatives have cut EI and changed the rules to take away benefits and reduce eligibility – and now thousands of people are finding that help isn’t there for them when they need it,” said Robert Aubin (Trois-Rivières), NDP critic for Employment Insurance.

Since devastating Conservative government cuts to EI were implemented, fewer than 4 in 10 unemployed Canadians now qualify for benefits. Over the last year, the number of Canadians receiving help has dropped 3.3%, even while the number of people applying for EI has risen by 10%.

“Conservatives don’t understand, EI is funded by premiums from workers and employers, not the government,” added Robert Chisholm (Dartmouth – Cole Harbour), Deputy NDP critic for Employment Insurance.