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Outmigration of workers has nothing to do with EI changes, Harper says
Original Publication Date: June 19, 2014 3:18AM
Publication Updated: January 8, 2025 10:52PM
CHARLOTTETOWN – Prime Minister Stephen Harper says the flow of workers from Eastern to Western Canada has nothing to do with changes to employment insurance.
Harper says outmigration is the result of greater economic opportunities in some parts of the country than others.
Harper was asked about outmigration and what, if any, relationship it may have to EI changes while he was in Prince Edward Island, a province where those changes have met protest.
Premier Robert Ghiz has called on the federal government to reverse the changes, saying he is concerned they will hurt his province’s businesses and seasonal industries.
Harper says a “minuscule” number of people have been disqualified from receiving EI since the changes were implemented in January 2013.
Under the changes, those who frequently claim EI need to prove they’re actively seeking work.
People must also accept a job within 100 kilometres of their home as long as they are qualified and the pay is at least 70 per cent of their previous salary.
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