MP Gail Shea, P.E.I.'s representative in the federal cabinet, said she might accept an invitation from a committee of MLAs to appear and discuss changes to employment insurance.

Gail Shea said she would have to study up on EI reform if she is going to appear before a committee of P.E.I. MLAs. (CBC)

Shea said she would have to take some time to research the topic.

"I will have ensure that I have the information. HRSDC is not really my department," said Shea, adding the invitation is unexpected.

"It's a little strange for a provincial committee to be looking into something of federal jurisdiction."

Shea said Islanders should visit their local Service Canada office to make sure they are getting proper information on the changes to EI.

MLA goes to Ottawa

Progressive Conservative MLA Steven Myers travelled to Ottawa last week for meetings in Human Resources Minister Diane Finley's office.

Myers, a member of the provincial committee currently holding hearings on EI, set up the meeting to express concerns raised by rural Islanders about the recent changes.

Myers said he wanted to stress to Finley's office the importance of seasonal work on P.E.I., and how the recent changes will affect that segment of the workforce.

"They were very receptive to everything I brought to their attention," said Myers.

"I know, in some of the cases, they told me they had been hearing similar concerns right across Canada. So obviously what we were talking about, we were not the only ones who have brought it to their attention."

Myers met with Finley's chief of staff and two other employees from the Department of Human Resources and Skills Development. Finley did not attend the meeting.

Myers said he's hopeful his points will be considered, and will follow-up in the fall.