Minister reports on meeting to discuss EI access for seasonal workers

The federal government is committed to working with the province, industry and communities to address the serious problem of EI access for seasonal workers, Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Walter Noel said today following a meeting with federal Human Resources Development Minister Jane Stewart.

Minister Noel, along with Development and Rural Renewal Minister Beaton Tulk, MHA George Sweeney (Carbonear-Harbour Grace) and MHA Ralph Wiseman (Topsail) met with Minister Stewart earlier today to discuss the impact of the EI program on Newfoundland and Labrador.

"This meeting represented an important opportunity for us to outline our concerns and provide Minister Stewart with a first-hand perspective on the serious problems people in our province are facing due to the EI program," said Minister Noel. EI changes made in 1996 have had a significant impact on the EI eligibility and level of benefits available to many Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, particularly those who live in rural communities that depend on seasonal industries.

"The federal minister listened carefully and was sensitive to our concerns," Minister Tulk said. "Minister Stewart noted that there needs to be a new collaborative approach between government, industries and communities in developing effective solutions to this problem."

Minister Stewart agreed to visit the province in the coming months to meet with government, industry and community leaders and discuss how we can improve the effectiveness of the EI program in this province.

"We look forward to working with the federal minister to find innovative solutions which address the serious challenges facing the unemployed in our province," said Minister Noel.

Media contact: Lynn Barter, Communications, (709) 729-0084.

2000 03 17                                                     3:50 p.m.