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The reforms announced in May 2012 targeted repeat EI users, but required all recipients to commute up to an hour or more for a job and accept work if it paid as little as 70 per cent of their previous income.

Earlier this month, the Privy Council Office responded with more than 600 pages of documents that include a torrent of criticism for the EI changes and to OAS. Some of the messages to the PMO were redacted for “security” reasons.

“I am… deeply distressed by your raising of retirement age,” says one of the emails. “I am also deeply disturbed by the changes I have heard about regarding Employment Insurance. The measures proposed are punitive toward the unemployed.”

A number of emails from Conservative supporters criticized the EI and OAS reforms.

“I am most unhappy about the changes being entertained to employment insurance reforms. I would like to see you reelected next time but am so unhappy about these respective changes that I will NOT vote for my local candidate in the next election,” said an email from a Tory supporter.

Another Conservative supporter said they’ll vote for another party in the next election because of the EI overhaul.

“I support many of your government’s actions but this one alone will force my next vote to the leftward spectrum,” said one email that cautioned the changes could erode Tory support and reduce the Conservatives to a minority following the next election.

“After fighting to get a Conservative majority it pains me to see it thrown away…” said another government supporter.