June 9, 1998
(Executive Council)

The following is being distributed at the request of the Conference of Atlantic Premiers:

Surplus in Employment Insurance account

Atlantic Premiers on June 8 called upon the federal government to be flexible in the use of the growing surplus in the Employment Insurance (EI) Account.

"Any discussion on the possible reduction in premiums must be balanced by consideration of other appropriate uses including job creation and the enhancement of active measures under the EI program," Prince Edward Island Premier Pat Binns said.

Recent reports have indicated that the EI surplus has exceeded $15 billion. Premiers collectively support reinvestment of a substantial portion back into the work force.

Contact: Kim Thomson, information officer, Conference of Atlantic Premiers, P.O. Box 2044, Halifax, NS, B3J 2Z1, (902) 424-8975.

1998 06 09                                12:25 p.m.