Human Resources Development Canada paid a total of $9.5 billion(37)
in the year ending March 31, 2001 to about 650,000 EI Income Benefits Program
recipients, who received an average of 18.5 weeks of payments. For workers
in seasonal situations or those subjected to economic forces beyond their
control, this income support is invaluable. Some recipients, however, are
searching for work they feel suits them. If more in these circumstances were
able self-reliantly to manage their work and learning opportunities and to
move from one work role to another as needed, EI payments would decrease.
A 1 percent improvement in this category would result in savings to the EI
fund of about $100 million annually.
Druckversion