Employment Insurance (EI) is a federal program in Canada designed to help out people who lose their job through no fault of their own and need the money to pay their bills. 

EI is considered taxable income in Canada, and has a small amount of tax deducted from payments, but not nearly enough to fit with Canadian tax brackets. Most Canadians who receive EI end up owing income tax at the end of the year, as described in this article: https://taxwerx.ca/blogs/news/beware-of-the-ei-tax-trap

I argue that EI is a government assistance program and thus should not be considered taxable income, much like other government assistance programs are not considered taxable income. 

Anyone who has relied on EI to pay their rent knows that they don't have any money leftover at the end of the year for the shocking $1000+ tax bill that is thrown at them. 

Moreover, Canada charges interest on unpaid income tax, so if a person's only income was EI, and they used it all for food and shelter, then they are penalized and fined for the crime of being poor and unable to work. Taxing EI is immoral and should be criminal. 

The Prime Minister has the power to make EI non-taxable. Sign this petition to force his hand. Don't let the government tax money that is going to those in need.