News Release

HALIFAX (GNB) – The public and stakeholders are being invited to make submissions explaining how they have been affected by changes to Employment Insurance.

The invitation is being issued by the advisory panel to the Pan-Atlantic Study of the Impact of Recent Changes to Employment Insurance, established by the Council of Atlantic Premiers.

"This consultation process is an important part of determining the current impacts stemming from the federal government's changes to Employment Insurance," said Pierre-Marcel Desjardins, chair of the advisory panel. "We are asking affected Atlantic Canadians to participate in the consultation process to assist us in fully understanding the current labour market and to determine the impacts of the changes."

The public is encouraged to provide information to the panel by participating in a telephone survey. Registrations to participate will be accepted until Jan. 7, 2014, by calling 1-855-681-8210 (toll-free) or by going online.

Stakeholders and affected organizations will receive invitations to participate in sessions later this fall with representatives from the advisory panel within their respective province.  The public or organizations may also ask to appear at these sessions.

Written submissions will also be accepted by mail or email until Jan. 31, 2014.

"The results of these consultations will complement the information we have already gathered through the study on Employment Insurance recently commissioned by the Council of Atlantic Premiers,” said Desjardins.

A final report from the advisory panel is anticipated in early 2014.

For details about the consultation process and to review the discussion paper prepared for the consultations, visit the Council of Atlantic Premiers website.