Quebec-based unions protest changes to unemployment insurance

Morning commuters on the Jacques-Cartier Bridge were welcomed with the first of many public pressures aimed at Prime Minister Stephen Harper by Quebec unions. 

According to the Montreal Gazette, a coalition of Quebec unions unfurled a 24 feet tall banner saying no to Harper’s upcoming changes to employment insurance announced last year. 

The unions feel these changes will be disastrous for the Quebec economy and wage-earners. They criticize the government for not properly studying the effects of the changes they proposed.

The coalition, known as La Coalition québécoise contre la réforme de l’assurance-emploi, say they represent 1.2 million Quebecers.

They plan to ramp up more pressure in the coming days. Notably, high profile Quebecers will speak out against the bill at a public event on April 4.

STORY WRITTEN BY: GREGORY WILSON