Canada / Liberal leadership candidate Joyce Murray on Seasonal Jobs and EI

Member of Parliament and Liberal leadership candidate Joyce Murray today outlined a new economic policy proposal on seasonal jobs.

“As the co-founder of an international reforestation – and largely seasonal – business that has planted more than a billion trees across Canada, I recognize that skilled, experienced seasonal workers are productive, and the lifeblood of many Canadian communities and businesses,” said MP Murray. “Canada’s seasonal industries such as fisheries, forestry, agriculture and tourism create valuable rural jobs in primarily rural communities that contribute billions of dollars to Canada’s GDP. Many outdoor urban jobs are also seasonal because of Canada’s unique geography and weather.”

“Whether in Atlantic Canada, on the West Coast, in our agricultural breadbaskets or elsewhere, I respect the dedicated seasonal workers who do these difficult jobs often under difficult conditions. Canada’s long term economic sustainability needs stable seasonal job industries. I propose to:

·         In recognition that Canada’s economy needs all of its regions to thrive, while ensuring that safety net programs like Employment Insurance operate fairly and taking the importance of experienced and professional seasonal workers:

o        Rescind the Conservative government’s recent EI program reforms that unfairly target seasonal workers and their employers.

o        Review the cuts to Canada’s national historic sites, parks, and marine    conservation areas and reverse those decisions that undermine seasonal tourism and recreation-related jobs.

·         Put in place and fund federal regional economic development strategies to help expand job opportunities for seasonal workers in their own communities, and keep families together by:

o        Partnering with the provinces, territories, municipalities and business associations to encourage the diversification and creation of full-time, off-season, and value-added jobs – particularly in areas reliant on a single major employer or project.

o        Partnering with local industry and colleges on training strategies, online education, apprenticeships, and certifications to ensure a better match between skilled workers and local jobs.

o        Assisting small businesses in creating plans for their growth or diversification.

o        Providing seasonal workers, youth entrepreneurs, and social enterprises with small business development templates and micro-loans.

·         Partner with the provinces, territories and the private sector to provide affordable high speed internet access in all communities in order to:

o        Add opportunities for a cleaner, smarter economy.

o        Improve access to online education, skills and health services in       remote communities.

“Seasonal businesses sustain many Canadian communities and local economies,” concluded MP Murray. “Regrettably, Stephen Harper’s Conservative government has chosen to diminish and disrespect seasonal workers; under my Liberal leadership the federal government will be in their corner, not in their face.”

Source:

via RELEASE: Seasonal Jobs.