607 What is (E.I.) Employment Insurance ?

Employment Insurance is a program run by the government of Canada to reduce the financial hardship many employees experience when they lose their job or are unable to work. Most employees in Ontario pay Employment Insurance premiums as a deduction from their pay. These employees are usually entitled to receive benefits in three general circumstances.

First, if you lose your job through no fault of your own, you can collect general benefits. Second, if you need time off during pregnancy or to care for a child, you can collect maternity or parental benefits. And third, if you cannot work because of sickness, you can collect sickness benefits.

There are many rules established to determine if a person is entitled to collect benefits. Additional information about each type of benefit is provided on Legal Line . You can also contact the nearest Human Resources Development Canada office for assistance.