93.7EM Emergency Resolution: Reducing Unemployment
[Whereas,] Rationale:
Changes in technologies, coupled with high minimum wage legislation, have resulted in the elimination of many jobs. All current economic forecasts indicate that the unemployment rate in Canada will remain above 10% in the near future, a rate which most Canadians believe is unacceptable.
Measures suggested for consideration include:
- Modifying the present Unemployment Insurance system to permit lump sum payments for laid-off persons to use as business start-up, and more incentives for worker mobility and adaptability;
- Finding ways and means to encourage employment sharing;
- More technological and vocational training in the schools and for school leavers;
- Putting a new emphasis on opportunities for training and support for social assistance recipients trying to enter the workforce;
- Encouraging the employment of persons with disabilities but recognizing the reality of costs to the employer.
[RESOLVED,] The National Council of Women of Canada urges the Government of Canada to initiate suitable action on some innovative measures for adapting programs so as to deal with present problems and substantially reduce unemployment.