Atlantic province premiers call on Ottawa to suspend EI changes

HUNTS POINT, NS –Atlantic Canada’s premiers are calling on Ottawa to suspend changes to the employment insurance program pending further study.

The premiers, who met today in Hunts Point, N.S., say the changes were made despite a lack on consultation and without regard for the effects on Atlantic Canada’s seasonal-based economy.

Nova Scotia Premier Darrell Dexter says the EI changes serve to deepen regional disparity at a time when provinces are working to co-operate on a range of economic issues.

Premier Robert Ghiz of Prince Edward Island says while he realized EI changes have to be made, it shouldn’t be done without researching it first.

New Brunswick Premier David Alward went into the meeting looking for support from his Atlantic counterparts to speak out against the EI changes.

Under some of the new rules, those who frequently claim EI need to prove they’re actively seeking work.