§ 43. Mr. KELLYasked the Minister of Labour why his Department has issued a Circular stating that men engaged on work such as snow clearing must not have their insurance cards stamped, as this work is not recognised as employment for the purpose of unemployment insurance?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDIn accordance with the Unemployment Insurance Acts, employment by a local or other public authority in the removing of snow in or about any streets or other public places is not insurable unless the person so employed is otherwise ordinarily employed by the authority to whom the service is rendered. The 940 Department's local officers were recently reminded of this fact in view of misunderstandings which occurred last winter.
§ Mr. KELLYWill the right hon. Gentleman explain why there is this discrimination; why a person who happens to be employed by a contractor for a fortnight prior to this work is allowed to be considered as insured while a man who is taken on for the purpose is denied the right of insurance?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDThe question is whether the work in question forms part and parcel of a general contract and engagement which comes under the Employment Insurance Act?
Mr. THOMASIs it not much better to encourage people to do work of any kind whatever rather than induce them not to offer their services?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDI agree absolutely with the right hon. Gentleman, but that does not affect this question.
§ Mr. KELLYMay I ask whether it is the opinion of the Department that the cleansing of the streets of our cities is not insurable employment?