Employment Support Act

'The Employment Support Act' provides a means to support levels of employment in Canadian industry when other countries impose temporary import surtaxes or take actions having a like effect. The Act establishes an Employment Support Board consisting of not more than seven members to administer grants authorized under this Act and perform such duties and functions as the Minister may assign to it. The Board shall consider applications from manufacturers who establish that their work force is significantly reduced through lay-offs due to measures taken by other countries, and may authorize payment of employment support grants in respect of any prescribed assistance period. The amount of any grant shall not exceed a prescribed amount or be greater than an adequate amount to maintain employment at specified levels throughout the prescribed assistance period.