Protecting Long-Tenured Workers

September 14, 2009

Canada’s workforce is one of the best in the world. Yet like all countries hit by the global recession, we are facing a challenging time. While it is always difficult to lose one’s job, there are many Canadians who have been steadily employed for a long time and are now finding themselves out of work and in need of a hand up.

Many such workers have contributed to the EI system dutifully for years and it is both fair and responsible to give these Canadians a hand up as they search for work.

That’s why our Conservative government is taking action to temporarily give long-tenured workers up to 20 weeks of additional EI benefits.

We are also helping older workers by expanding the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers. The Targeted Initiative for Older Workers was created by our government in 2006 and, based on its success, has been expanded through Canada’s Economic Action Plan. By helping these Canadians update their skills, or get valuable experience in new fields, more Canadians who have lost their jobs in the global recession will be better prepared to find and fill the new jobs of tomorrow.

For more information about the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers, click here.