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Reid calls for EI extension to help fishery workers April 19, 2007
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Opposition Leader Gerry Reid is calling on the federal government to provide an Employment Insurance (EI) extension program to help alleviate the hardships being faced by many fish harvesters, crew members and plant workers as a result of heavy ice conditions off the northeast coast of Newfoundland and Labrador. AUnfortunately, heavy pack ice has been damaging vessels, endangering lives and making it impossible for many involved in the seal, crab and shrimp fisheries to begin their fishing season,@ said Mr. Reid. AThese problems are being compounded by the fact that many of our fishery workers have just run out of EI benefits and have no income. These heavy ice conditions are playing havoc with people=s lives and severely impacting the livelihoods of many families. AI have written our regional minister, Loyola Hearn, and Human Resources and Social Development Minister Monte Solberg, asking that the federal government provide an EI extension for fishery workers until the ice conditions improve and the fishery can resume. This would only be a temporary measure, but would greatly help many people who are struggling financially through no fault of their own. I would hope that such a measure would also remove any unnecessary and dangerous risks that many feel they have to take in an effort to make a living. AWhile this federal investment would only be small, it could have an impact on thousands of lives in this province. I ask both ministers to give this proposal serious consideration and make a decision in a very timely manner.@ |
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