Suite 1202, 99 Metcalfe St. Ottawa, ON K1P 6L7 October 18, 2023 Senator Ratna Omidvar Chair Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology The Senate of Canada Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A4 Dear Senator Omidvar, Subject: Support for Bill S-244 The CFIB represents 97,000 small business owners across Canada in every sector of the economy. We are writing to voice our support once again for Bill S-244, which would create the Employment Insurance Council. Senator Diane Bell emare introduced this bill .

It is our understanding that the bill has been referred to the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology. Our members recognize the importance of the employment insurance program. They want to ensure that the program is financially viable over time and fair to its contributors. Creating an Employment Insurance Council, which would bring together employer and employee representatives to provide advice and make recommendations to the Commission, would foster and facilitate ongoing dialogue and engagement between every stakeholder.

We strongly urge that senators support this bill and help it move through both houses quickly. Sincerely, Jasmin Guénette Vice-President, National Affairs Christina Santini Director, National Affairs cc: Senator Jane Cordy, Deputy Chair, Standing Senate Committe e on Social Affairs, Science and Technology, all senators and members of the committee