The effects of the Conservative government's changes to Employment Insurance (EI) are being felt nationwide. Recent figures show there have been sudden decreases in the number of beneficiaries around the country, particularly in the Atlantic provinces. Meanwhile, opposition to the reforms persists.
Statistics Canada data show that in July, the number of people receiving EI benefits was down almost 6% across the country, as compared to last year.
The province hit hardest by the reforms, which came into effect last January, is Prince Edward Island. It saw a drop of 16 per cent in beneficiaries, closely followed by a decline of 12 per cent in Nova Scotia, 11 per cent in both Newfoundland and Labrador, and nine per cent in New Brunswick.
It comes as no surprise that Eastern Canada would be this affected by the new rule targeting seasonal work. The region is home to many cyclical industries, such as fishing and agriculture.
Unemployed residents in the Western provinces also find it more and more difficult to collect their benefits. For the same time period, Manitoba’s beneficiaries dropped 12 per cent, British Columbia by 11.5 per cent, and Saskatchewan seven per cent.
The decline in EI recipients was much more gradual in Ontario, Quebec and Alberta, with about a three per cent drop in each.
Meanwhile, the Commission nationale d'examen sur l'assurance-emploi has begun their public consultations across Quebec.
The panel, created last April by the Parti Québécois government, is challenging the federal EI reforms. The committee is currently travelling throughout the province’s cities, holding public hearings and consulting with the public, experts and stakeholders in the labor market.
By doing so, it hopes to reverse Ottawa’s controversial reforms.