Changes to Employment Insurance attracted a torrent of reaction yesterday, including criticisms from representatives at all levels of government in Nova Scotia. Human Resources Minister Diane Finley announced yesterday that those who draw frequently on EI will have to accept any job for which they’re qualified if the job is within an hour of their home and pays 70% or more of their previous earnings. Premier Darrell Dexter says he’s disappointed that Ottawa didn’t consult with the province on the changes, which he believes will have a negative impact on rural communities that depend heavily on seasonal work. Cape Breton-Canso MP Roger Cuzner agrees, saying that fisheries, tourism, agriculture, and other key local industries will take a hit as a result of the new rules. CBRM Mayor John Morgan accuses Ottawa of regional favouritism, saying that it’s targeting seasonal workers in Atlantic Canada while subsidizing agriculture in the West. The Canadian Taxpayers Federation supports the changes, saying that they prevent other people from living off part-time work with the money of other taxpayers. Finley and other Ministers point to a shortage of skilled labour, especially in Western Canada, as one of the main reasons for introducing more strict regulations.
