Liberal Government Playing Politics with EI Benefits: Armstrong
July 13, 2016, Halifax, NS – Scott Armstrong, Conservative Critic for Atlantic Canada, issued the following statement today in response to the Liberal government’s plan to weaken the requirements for fishermen’s EI and reduce the number of hours claimants will be required to work before becoming eligible for regular benefits:
“I find it extremely discouraging that instead of introducing skills training programs and apprenticeship grants, the Liberal government is turning its back on the hardworking Atlantic Canadians who want a hand up, not a hand out.
“If the Liberals were actually serious about an Atlantic Growth Strategy they would be lowering the small business tax rate to 9% and investing in job creating initiatives instead of making it easier for people to work less and still draw employment insurance.
“At a time when lobster prices are higher than ever, captains are struggling to get people on the back of their boats because the Liberals are making it equally profitable to stay home.
“When will the Liberals stop playing petty politics with Canada’s employment insurance program and start investing in the kind of job creating initiatives that Atlantic Canada so desperately needs?”
