2007:03 MIGRANT FARM WORKERS AND EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE
Whereas 1
Canada is a signatory to the United Nations International Bill of Human Rights which states in Article 7:
"All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law"; and
Whereas 2
Migrant workers in the Canadian Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program (CSAWP) are obliged to participate in the Employment Insurance (EI) program, even though only a small minority has been able to access any benefits from this program; and
Whereas 3
The terms of their contract specify that when their work term is finished, they must return home, and EI benefits are not payable to laid-off workers who are not residents in Canada; therefore, be it
Resolved 1
That the National Council of Women of Canada adopt as policy support for the exclusion of migrant farm workers in the Canadian Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program (CSAWP) from mandatory participation in the Employment Insurance (EI) program; and be it further
Resolved 2
That the National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to exclude migrant farm workers in the CSAWP from mandatory participation in the EI program.