Answers

Employment Insurance (EI)

The Employment Insurance program provides employed Canadians assistance in the event that they lose their job. This program used to be called “unemployment insurance”.  

All employees pay EI premiums based on their Gross earnings.  Employers also pay EI premiums based on their employee’s earnings.  Employers pay $1.40 for every $1.00 that the employee pays.  

Employment Insurance is run by the Government of Canada and is also referred to as Service Canada.  Anyone who applies for these benefits has a two week unpaid waiting period before the EI benefits begin.  

You may also qualify for Employment Insurance if you are sick, pregnant, or caring for a newborn or adopted child, or if you must care for a family member who is seriously ill.