I’m the first person to admit that there are things about the ‘old’ EI system that I didn’t like, and some of the new changes the Conservative Government brought in recently are actually a step in the right direction to help eliminate some of the abuse and taking advantage-ness of the Employment Assistance program in this country.
Now I know what many will say – ‘well it’s our system to begin with, because we pay into it.’
Yes, that’s true, but I think if some people had to take out only what they pay in over the years and months they’re working, then we’ll have a whole new issue on our hands, will we not? Let’s face it – they’ll be getting peanuts.
With that said, though, I think some of the changes have accomplished the wrong things since they’ve been implemented, and while designed to help and improve the situation, it’s only made things worse.
Take for example the pilot project brought into effect on August 5. There was a time when a person on EI could make a certain amount of money, and have it not affect their EI. Now, they’re going to lose either half of what they make, or all of what they make, depending on how much it is.
So let me get this straight here now. A person is unemployed. They’re drawing benefits designed to help people who are unemployed. If that person then somehow finds some kind of employment, we’re going to penelize them to the point where it’s better if they stay home and do nothing?
How is that helping the situation?
If I knew I was going to work and not get paid for it, then I’m obviously not going to work. That’s called being a volunteer – and I’m sorry, but where does the Government come off telling me that I have to be a volunteer at my workplace?
So lets review. If you’re the worker, you’re losing because hey, guess what, buddy? You aren’t getting paid for working today. It’s a loss to the employer because you, kind sir, are either paying out money so the Government doesn’t have to, even though they’ll still expect all their taxes in a few months, or you’re not going to find workers regardless, who are willing to do the odd end jobs for low wages.
So who’s this helping?
Need not look any farther. The only ones this change is helping is the Government. Either way, they’re saving some cash if a person on EI decides to go to work. The only thing is, they failed to realize that by doing what they did, they’ll probably end up not helping themselves at all, since people won’t bother to do that, and in turn, they’re just as worse off than they were before. However, with their meager attempt to get themselves ahead, Harper and the boys also set the rest of us back.
Typical, isn’t it?
As far as I’m concerned, this is what the system is all about. If a person on EI benefits is still out there making an attempt, trying to help the economy and the community by doing a small part, then I say good on them. I have no problem with the money I pay into EI going to them if they’re doing that. But they shouldn’t be panelized for working. That’s just stupid.
– Rudy Norman
