| SARS TASK FORCE MEETS MINISTER JANE STEWART OF HRDC |
| On May 5, 2003, the Hon. Jane Stewart, P.C, M.P., Minister of Human Resources Development Canada met with members of the Scarborough SARS Task Force at Howard Johnson Inn & Suites - Toronto East. She discussed the special measures that have been implemented, under the Employment Insurance Act, to help address the economic challenges entrepreneurs are facing, as a result of SARS. The Scarborough SARS Task Force represents business, labour and all levels of government. Mr. Jim Karygiannis, M.P., Scarborough-Agincourt, struck the task force in response to the economic crisis caused by SARS. The Minister told the meeting that the Government of Canada amended the EI Regulations so that eligible workers can access EI benefits more quickly and easily. The usual two-week waiting period is waived for any SARS-related claims for EI sickness benefits, where the claimant has been quarantine, either on a voluntary or recommended basis. These amended regulations apply to any SARS-related claims submitted on or after March 30, 2003. |
 |
 |
| Jim speaking with reporters after the meeting |
| Discussing issues with Task Force Members |
 |
 |
 |
| Minister Stewart speaking with reporters |
| Gerry Phillips M.P.P., City Councillor Norm Kelly and BDC Scarborough Branch Manager Krista Sears-Keating along with Minister Stewart answering questions |
| Minister of HRDC Jane Stewart addressing the TASK FORCE |
| She also gave details of her May 2, 2003 announcement that provides income relief to SARS affected health care workers. Under the plan $2 million has been made available to help workers who deliver or help deliver health-related services, who are not eligible for Employment Insurance (EI), but who suffered a loss of employment income because of being quarantined, isolated or contracting SARS. In answering questions from the floor, the Minister discussed the government’s Work Share Program and urged people to talk to local HRDC officials about its criteria and how it could assist business people who are facing economic difficulties due to SARS. Ms. Krista Sears-Keating, Area Branch Manager, Scarborough Branch, Business Development Bank of Canada spoke about the BDC’s new initiatives to help its small business clients. Clients can apply for loans of up to $50,000 each if they can show they’ve suffered because of the SARS outbreak. The BDC is also offering to postpone capital payments on BDC loans for up to four months, free of charge. This early morning gathering was attended by close to one hundred concerned persons, including task force members, local entrepreneurs and representatives of the labour movement in the Greater Toronto Area. |
 |
 |