PEI Advisory Council Applauds Winnipeg Judge's Decision in EI Ruling for Mothers Who Work Part-time

The PEI Advisory Council on the Status of Women is pleased with the ruling of Winnipeg Judge Salhany in the case of a Winnipeg nurse. He ruled that EI regulations violate the equality provisions under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The system as it exists penalizes mothers that work part-time because of unpaid parental responsibilities.

"Women, who are still the predominant primary caregivers, have difficulty working the hours needed to qualify for EI benefits," says Chairperson Patricia Roy-Ballem. "Since the 1997 EI reforms were implemented, women's groups have been saying the system is unfair to many women in Canada who cannot access EI benefits even though they have consistently contributed to the fund." The more rigid eligibility requirements have had a disproportionately negative impact on women, who are more likely to be employed in part-time work because of their family responsibilities.

The ruling in Winnipeg does not change the current law, but it can be used as a precedent in other pending cases challenging the EI benefits system.

The PEI Advisory Council urges the federal government to review the current EI legislation and make the necessary changes in order to benefit those who need it the most.