The Canadian Conservative government’s proposed legislation to extend employment insurance by up to 20 weeks for so-called “long-tenured workers” is raising questions as to whether it will be broad enough to gather further NDP support and prevent an impending election.

Member of Parliament, Paul Dewar (NDP) commented simply that the proposed legislation is a “first start.”

“If they’re going to put forward something that’s going to help Canadians who are hard hit, we would be irresponsible not to seriously consider and support that,” continued Dewer, speaking of a potential confidence vote.

The new legislation would cost roughly $900 million and would result in an additional 5-20 weeks of additional benefits based on how long an individual has been employed and paying in to the EI fund.

Human Resources Minister, Diane Finley said, “we believe that this is the right thing to do and that it is both fair and responsible. It would help Canadians who have worked hard and paid EI premiums for many years and who now find themselves in need of a hand up.”

NDP leader Jack Layton said that he’d leave negotiations up to the current Prime Minister, Stephen Harper. Some analysts say that this new EI package is an attempt by the Conservative party to appease opposition parties with a potential confidence vote occurring as early as Friday.

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