For Immediate Release
January 11, 2012
New Democratic Party of PEI Leader, James Rodd, is disappointed after
today’s meeting with Deputy Premier George Webster and Chief of Staff
Allan Campbell on the topic of Employment Insurance wait times.
“The bottom line,” Rodd says, “is that over 1800 Islanders have been
waiting for almost two months and in some cases three months with no
income. That’s a long time to be without money for food, rent, lights,
heat or medicine.”
The Leader of the NDP of PEI, presented the Deputy Premier with a
proposal for an emergency fund to help those who require a one time
assistance, until their EI claims are processed.
The Deputy Premier and the Chief of Staff were receptive to the NDP’s
plan. However, they were non-committal for fear that assisting these
EI claimants in any way would send a message to the Federal Government
that the extended wait times were acceptable.
While echoing the NDP’s concerns regarding wait times, the Deputy
Premier made it clear that the Ghiz Government had no plans on
stirring up any controversy with the Federal Government. The Deputy
Premier went so far as to say that other Departments, including
Agriculture, have a good working relationship with the Federal
Government and did not want to jeopardize those relationships.
“This is totally unacceptable” says Rodd, “through no fault of their
own these Islanders are being hung out to dry by both their Federal
and Provincial Governments.”
“An NDP Government” says Rodd, “would work for all Islanders!”
Contact: James Rodd, Cell 902-218-3370
Chris van Ouwerkerk (NDP Cpmmunications Chair): 902-314-0725
