QUESTION PERIOD — Treasury Board
Support for Workers Affected by Coronavirus Measures
March 12, 2020
Honourable senators, my question is to Senator Gold, the Government Representative in the Senate, and it too is about the coronavirus. As a Canadian, I was relieved that the Prime Minister announced a $1-billion plan to deal with the economic impact of the coronavirus threat. The plan includes $5 million to speed up access to Employment Insurance by waiving the one-week waiting period.
That certainly works for individuals who qualify for EI, but if you work in the gig economy as an Uber driver, in food delivery or as a caregiver, you will likely not be eligible for EI because you’re not on payroll. You also may not have sick leave benefits. You may have no extended health plan benefit. You may have no vacation days. How do you cope?
My question to you is this: What measures is the government considering to provide protection to these gig economy workers, most of whom are in what we would call precarious employment?
Thank you very much for that question. It’s timely, not only because of the crisis, but because we in the chamber are being reminded of the precarious situation of many of our workers in the gig and changing economy.
There are two things I want to say. First, the Treasury Board president has announced, and I want to repeat, that the government will be announcing further support for workers, families and businesses, and this includes possible measures in Budget 2020, which will be released at the end of this month. But, pardon the expression, breaking news, because to the best of my knowledge, you will be the first to hear this. I am advised that with regard to those in the gig economy, or other modes of employment that are precarious, the government is exploring other measures — in addition to those measures that will likely show up in the budget — to support Canadians affected by COVID-19, such as income support for those who are not eligible for unemployment benefits. The government is actively exploring those options and is seized with the issue, but the details are not yet public.
Thank you for that surprise and welcome answer. Let me continue to ask you questions to which you have similarly surprising answers. Thank you very much.
