The federal government has a significant decision to make in the next while regarding employment insurance benefits for people who refuse to be vaccinated.

Many employers, including governments, require their workers be vaccinated but not all in the employ are eager to comply. The vast majority will be vaccinated, but what about situations where dismissal is in order for those who refuse. People who lose a job are conditionally entitled to unemployment benefits as they paid into the fund. The federal minister said on Friday that workers who are let go because of refusal to vaccinate would not be entitled to EI.

The new Cabinet will be sworn in on Tuesday, and that is one of the issues that the minister responsible for EI will have to deal with.

Seamus O’Regan is the reigning minister for Newfoundland and Labrador, and many expect him to remain in Cabinet.