Canada: Parliament Must Act Urgently to Make Sure Workers Aren’t Left Behind

Canada’s unions are urging members of Parliament to stand up for workers and their families by acting urgently to extend temporary Employment Insurance rules until a permanent fix can be implemented.

According to Globenewswire, “Unless MPs and the government take action this week, the EI program will revert to the old pre-COVID rules, leaving thousands unable to access benefits. Precarious workers, many of them women and racialized workers, would be hit hardest,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “People are still facing enormous challenges. Reverting EI back to Harper-era rules will mean thousands of workers are unable to access help, just when they need it most.”

Parliament Must Act Urgently to Make Sure Workers Aren’t Left Behind -0
Parliament of Canada. Source: ITN

Bruske explained that the end of the enhanced EI measures, put in place to help workers through job losses and layoffs during the pandemic, means thousands of workers who still depend on these benefits will struggle to qualify, while costs for everyday necessities like food, fuel and housing, continue to skyrocket.

“It is wrong for the government to now abandon people being thrown out of work,’’ added Bruske. “We need our elected representatives to urgently work together to extend temporary measures until Canada’s broken EI system can be permanently improved, as the government has promised to do.”

Bruske added that Canada’s unions welcomed New Democrats and Liberals working together to provide emergency help for people and urge all parties to now work together to fix EI, hold mega-profitable corporations to account and make sure struggling families are not left behind.

“Pierre Poilievre has a record of cuts to health care, cuts to support to the unemployed, and attacks on workers. Now, while Poilievre and the Conservatives talk loudly about inflation, they actually oppose help for families in need,” said Bea Bruske. “As so many families continue to struggle with the ongoing affordability crisis, it is critical MPs from all parties now come together to help families in need and make sure companies making colossal profits are made to pay their fair share.’’

Parliaments

California nurses applaud new law that provides transparency, improves equity in nursing education
Parliaments

California nurses applaud new law that provides transparency, improves equity in nursing education

California Nurses Association, the largest union of registered nurses in the state, applauds the signing of Senate Bill 1015 by Governor Gavin Newsom. Nurses say the new law, which was authored by Senator Dave Cortese and sponsored by CNA, is an essential step towards ensuring clinical placement opportunities for California’s future nurses, particularly for students attending public institutions like community colleges and state universities.

Seychelles' parliament adopts motion to make sign language official language
Parliaments

Seychelles' parliament adopts motion to make sign language official language

The National Assembly unanimously adopted a motion to designate Seychelles Deaf Language as an official national language, marking a significant milestone for the islands' hearing-impaired populationin. The motion was brought forward by Regina Esparon, the Linyon Demokratik Seselwa (LDS) elected member for Glacis, on behalf of the Women's Parliamentary Caucus, coinciding with the Deaf Week 2024.

Ireland: New law to ban disposable vapes and restrict flavours
Parliaments

Ireland: New law to ban disposable vapes and restrict flavours

Disposable vapes will be banned and vape flavours and colours restricted under new legislation proposed by the government. The Department of Health yesterday published the general scheme of the proposed Nicotine Inhaling Products Bill, which will introduce further restrictions on nicotine inhaling products or vapes.

Brazil calls EU to suspend anti-deforestation law
Parliaments

Brazil calls EU to suspend anti-deforestation law

Brasília urges the European Commission to reconsider its anti-deforestation rules, which could potentially impact Brazil’s exports by almost US$15 billion. The European legislation passed in 2022 includes a ban on the import of products from areas deforested from 2022 onwards, even if deforestation is legal in those areas. 

UK parliament recognizes Bitcoin and digital assets as personal property
Parliaments

UK parliament recognizes Bitcoin and digital assets as personal property

The UK Parliament has introduced the Property (Digital Assets etc.) Bill today to officially and legally recognize Bitcoin $57,732.86, cryptocurrencies, and other digital assets as personal property. This new law will, for the first time, formally protect digital assets such as Bitcoin, cryptocurrency, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and carbon credits under English law, News.Az reports citing Cointurk news.