Human Resources committee  I think this would give people a great deal of flexibility. The future is unknown. We've learned that, both at the societal level and the individual level. It would allow people to access their account when they need it for what they need. The problem is that these accounts need to also be funded at some base level for everybody.

Human Resources committee  It would simplify things in terms of the debate we're going through now, for example, with sickness benefits. The other thing is that, quite rightly, MPs bring issues to the EI system as they become aware and as we get better publicity. Now we've layered so many different types of programs that require so many different regulations and information.

Human Resources committee  First of all, you're correct that everything is conditional on eligibility for the program. Given that we've worked on that, then families face two types of risks. They face risks associated with their jobs and they face all sorts of family-associated risks, be it sickness, caregiving and so on.

Human Resources committee  What I'm trying to say is that we shouldn't get into assessing the reasons for the use of these accounts. Let people do whatever they want. However, does that mean I just get to quit whenever I want and go skiing in Banff? Not if I don't have anything in my account, and not if I haven't worked for it.

Human Resources committee  Just to be clear, maternity and parental benefits are still a part of special benefits. I'm not sure that is an insurable risk in the same sense, and I'm not sure that we can handle that with special individual accounts. It would take time to build up these accounts, particularly early in your work history, probably when you are in the middle of family formation.

Human Resources committee  I will do that. Thank you. This is what I mean by integrating the Canada workers benefit with EI. I have two other recommendations. I'll just to list them, Mr. Chair. The first is to offer wage insurance to long-seniority workers who are permanently laid off. This was in Minister Qualtrough's mandate letter.

Human Resources committee  Good afternoon. I'm especially glad to have this opportunity to discuss an issue of growing importance. Employment Insurance has been found wanting. Many Canadians have experienced that for decades, and now is well beyond the time to do something about it. The government can proceed immediately with a series of important changes that are well within its administrative capacity, but it also must proceed with an eye to more fundamental changes in the near term that may require more consultation.