will France be inspired by the controversial Canadian model?

Compensating job seekers according to the unemployment rate, whether the labor market is healthy or not, is the model applied by Canada for several years. In Montreal, Quebec, Mischa Vorobiev was laid off in February after spending 21 years with a large company. When he registers for his allowance, the unemployment rate is 4.8% in his province, a very low rate. This figure will partly determine the amount and duration of his compensation. “I get $628 a week for 36 weeks, that’s the most I can get“, he testifies. With a higher rate, he could have received more, for 45 weeks.

In Canada, if the unemployment rate in a given region is higher than 13%, the benefit is calculated on the best 14 weeks. On the other hand, if the unemployment rate is below 6%, the best 22 weeks will be taken into account. “We do not wish you, in France, to take this Canadian model which is a regressive model“says Paul Céré, spokesman for the National Council of the unemployed.The French government has already indicated that it wishes to draw inspiration from the Canadian model for its unemployment insurance reform with one objective: to achieve full employment by 2027.“says Camille Guttin, France Televisions correspondent in North America.