Bloc calls for greater flexibility in employment insurance as forest fires burn in Quebec
The fierce battle to protect Quebec communities from forest fires continues on the ground as the Société de protection des forêts contre le feu (SOPFEU) reported 123 active forest fires on Saturday morning, nearly half of which were out of control.
At last count, more than 13,500 residents remain evacuated, mainly in Chibougamau and Lebel-sur-Quévillon in Northern Quebec.
Meanwhile, the Bloc Québécois (BQ) is calling for affected workers to be eligible for employment insurance (EI).
In a press release issued early on Saturday morning, Bloc Employment and Labour critic Louise Chabot called for the immediate adoption of emergency measures for employment insurance to provide rapid assistance to workers affected by the forest fires currently raging in Quebec.
"The current unprecedented situation warrants a relaxation of EI eligibility criteria to provide effective and rapid support to the thousands of workers affected by these disasters, particularly those in the seasonal industry, who simply cannot qualify at this time," said Chabot.
She acknowledged that the federal government announced two days ago that it wanted to make it easier and faster to apply for employment insurance benefits, but the Bloc MP believes that more needs to be done.
"This measure does not take into account all the workers who will not have access to these benefits because of the obsolescence of the employment insurance programme. The Bloc Québécois has long been calling for a comprehensive reform of this program, and the current situation only accentuates the urgent need for action," said Chabot.
She pointed out that parks, forests, outfitters and tourism are sectors that have been hard hit and where there is a large number of seasonal workers.
"In the absence of a comprehensive reform of employment insurance now, the government must assume its responsibilities by putting in place emergency measures, such as reducing the number of hours needed to qualify, increasing the number of weeks of benefits and extending the qualifying period. That's the bare minimum," said Chabot.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on June 10, 2023.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Saskatchewan isn't remitting the carbon tax on home heating. Why isn't my province following suit?
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Caleb Williams goes to the Bears with the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.
Body of Quebec man who died in Cuba found in Russia, family confirms
A Montreal-area family confirmed to CTV News that the body of their loved one who died while on vacation in Cuba is being repatriated to Canada after it was mistakenly sent to Russia.