Ignatieff pushing risky EI reforms: economists

If it was such a good idea, why didn't they do it when they were in charge?
It's a stupid idea. We need to help people who are losing their jobs, not people who just got a job and want the summer off.

I agree however 700 hours is too much and even if he was to make it 360 it should be a one time option only but not permanent policy. The only reason why EI is even on the table is the downturn was so fast it highlighted the inconsistency in the program. Make it uniform but don't make it 9 weeks it should be at least 14.

The people who are losing their jobs now were the ones working through the good period so they already qualify for EI. Reducing the threshold won't help those auto or forestry workers. It's simply pandering to he masses for political purposes.
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It was the Liberals who introduced the idea of a variable entrance requirement. The only reason that they want to change it now is because they think it will be a vote getter. Can't believe though that Iggy would force an election over it.

It was the Liberals who introduced the idea of a variable entrance requirement. The only reason that they want to change it now is because they think it will be a vote getter. Can't believe though that Iggy would force an election over it.


That's not fair. Iggy was still an American back then.
The Bloc are saying they'll vote against this so the Libs are forced into supporting the government, forcing an election or abstaining AGAIN.

I don't agree with lowering the standard but removing regional variable entrance requirement. That and making the self employed a part of the program hereby making the system more accessible and consistent. The markers for determining what the hours qualify should be determined by the Canadian economy's overall performance.

It was the Liberals who introduced the idea of a variable entrance requirement. The only reason that they want to change it now is because they think it will be a vote getter. Can't believe though that Iggy would force an election over it.


That's not fair. Iggy was still an American back then.
The Bloc are saying they'll vote against this so the Libs are forced into supporting the government, forcing an election or abstaining AGAIN.

If Iggy keeps propping up the government Libs will wonder how he is different from Dion.

So far, in style only. Drop the green shift and he's the same guy.

I wonder since he was out of Canada for sooooo long maybe he forgot all about the effects that happened last time, which was not such a good thing

I have to agree with all the comments here though, a general do-over of the whole EI system may not be the best answer but making it more accessible to all might just work.....but not after 360 hours!!!!!

Iggy had far more potential, which makes it so much more the loss.
He's educated, worldly and pragmatic. He's just running for the wrong party, that's all.

I agree. He'd be a great Tory. Crap Liberal though.

It's a terrible idea, as the past shows us that it encourages system abuse.

It will be interesting to see if these economists are worthy of Liberal supporter attention, like the ones regarding the recession...their opinion was respected.

I think he's going to have to change his public profile. I watch Question Period occasionally and he as Leader of the the Opposition always asks the first question. I regard him as coming across as a condescending academic. If he portrays that during an election campaign it'll lose him votes.

Yeah, the pooping puffin was classy. Iggy just uses his words.