In response to the U.S. and international tariffs harming Canadian industries, the federal government has introduced temporary Employment Insurance (EI) relief measures to assist affected workers.
The following measures are incorporated in the pilot project that will make it easier for people to qualify for employment insurance benefits:
- The Government of Canada is artificially increasing regional unemployment rates by 1 percentage point to lower eligibility thresholds, ensuring no region falls below 7.1%. This adjustment reduces the required qualifying hours for regular benefits to a maximum of 630 and extends entitlement by up to four additional weeks, with the measure remaining in effect for three months.
- To expedite financial support, the rules around severance, vacation pay, and other separation monies will be suspended for six months. This will allow workers to access EI benefits immediately without first depleting these payments. This change aims to provide faster relief during periods of sudden job loss.
- The standard one-week EI waiting period will be waived for all claimant types (regular, special, and fishing) for six months, enabling workers to receive income support from their first week of unemployment.
The National Payroll Institute will monitor updates and share further guidance as needed.