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PrimeTime Politics Weekend
October 2, 2009
Host Martin Stringer speaks with Dean Del Mastro (the parliamentary secretary to the minister of Canadian Heritage) and Yvon Godin (the NDP whip) about major political developments, including a possible extension of Employment Insurance benefits. Journalists Susan Lunn and David Akin join Martin in the studio to analyze the week’s political proceedings. Topics of discussion include the survival of the government following a non-confidence vote in the House of Commons and Denis Coderre’s decision to step down as the Liberal Party’s Quebec lieutenant. David Jacobson, the United States ambassador to Canada, speaks with reporters in Ottawa, commenting on key bilateral issues, including concerns about so-called “Buy American” provisions included in the 2009 U.S. economic stimulus package. At the same event, Canadian Governor General Michaëlle Jean accepts the credentials of four new ambassadors to Canada, including Mr. Jacobson. At a September 30, 2009, meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on National Finance, members consider Bill C-50, which proposes an increase in Employment Insurance benefits for long-tenured workers. Paul Thompson, from Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, presents the bill’s provisions. Mr. Thompson is questioned by committee members Pierrette Ringuette (Liberal), Consiglio Di Nino (Conservative), Irving Gerstein (Conservative), and Catherine S. Callbeck (Liberal), among others.