http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNew...tories&s_name=
Quote:
The Supreme Court of Canada says that Ottawa illegally collected employment insurance contributions for three years under the former Liberal government.
The court, though, rejected union claims that Ottawa diverted money from deliberately-over-inflated EI surpluses to balance the federal budget and fund programs.
In a 7-0 decision, the court ruled EI premiums were inappropriately collected between 2002, 2003, and 2005. That's when the Liberal cabinet set EI rates directly without the authorization from Parliament and the employment insurance commission, a violation of the principle of no taxation without representation.
"This means that employment insurance premiums were collected unlawfully, without the necessary legislative authorization," Justice Louis LeBel wrote in the decision.
Canada's highest court ruled, however, that the federal government was within its rights to divert EI contributions to pay down the deficit from 1996-2001.
It also noted that the court's declaration would be suspended for a period of 12 months to allow the government to respond.
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Kim Insley
Gosh , isn't it funny how the Liberals are the ones who tightened up the rules on receiving EI benefits and spent its money. Now the Liberals as part of their coalition want to loosen up the rules and make it easier to collect EI benefits . Seriously ...make up your mind !
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Top court says Ottawa broke law in financing EI
