Extending employment benefits proposed

OTTAWA, Sept. 14 (UPI) -- The Tory government's proposal to extend employment insurance by up to 20 weeks may prevent a federal election, a party leader said in Ottawa Monday.

Jack Layton, leader of the New Democratic Party, told the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. the proposal could be enough to garner support from his party for the Conservatives.

"The announcement today appears to be a step in the right direction," Layton said in a prepared statement. "Our preference remains fighting for the unemployed rather than fighting for a second election."

The proposal is for between additional five and 20 weeks of employment insurance for long-tenured workers, Human Resources Minister Diane Finley said. She called it a temporary measure to be phased out as the economy improves.

"It would help Canadians who have worked hard and paid (employment insurance) premiums for many years and who now find themselves in need of a hand up," she said.