2015 EI Maximum Insurable Earnings Rate Set

On September 12, 2014, the Canada Employment Insurance Commission (“CEIC”) announced that the 2015 Employment Insurance (“EI”) Maximum Insurable Earnings rate will increase to $49,500 from $48,600 in 2014. Premiums will be reduced by $0.34 per $100 of insurable earnings for residents of Quebec covered under the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan. Accordingly, those residents will…

Small Business Job Credit and New EI Rate-Setting Mechanism Announced

On September 11, 2014, the federal government announced the introduction of the Small Business Job Credit (“Credit”), which is intended to provide tax relief for small employers. The Credit effectively lowers the Employment Insurance (“EI”) premium rate for eligible businesses from the current, legislated rate of $1.88, to $1.60 per $100 of insurable earnings in…

2014 EI Rates Set, Pension and Retirement Savings Limits Announced

Further to the federal government’s announcement in September, on November 2, 2013, HRSDC published a Resolution providing notice that the 2014 employment insurance (“EI”) premium rate for 2014 for residents of all provinces (with the exception of Québec) is maintained at $1.88 per $100 of insurable earnings. The 2014 EI premium rate for Québec residents is…

Government Announces Three-Year EI Premium Freeze

On September 9, 2013, the federal Government announced that it would be cancelling its planned EI premium hike for 2014.  Instead, EI premiums will be frozen at the 2013 level of $1.88 per $100 of insurable earnings.  The Government also stated that the rate would not exceed $1.88 for 2015 or 2016. On the same date,…

Regulatory Amendments Relating to End of Mandatory Issuance of SIN Cards Now in Force

Social Insurance Number Regulations made under the Department of Human Resources and Skills Development Act, which include Consequential Amendments to the Employment Insurance Act Regulations, came into force on April 30, 2013. Among other things, these Regulations align the regulatory framework with legislative changes enacted in the Jobs, Growth and Long-term Prosperity Act (“JGLPA”) which end the…

New EI Benefit Rate Calculation to Come Into Force April 7, 2013

On April 7, 2013, certain amendments to the Employment Insurance Act (“EI Act”) made by the federal government’s Budget 2012 legislation, Jobs, Growth and Long-term Prosperity Act, will come into force and create a new benefit rate calculation for employment insurance benefits. As of April 7, 2013, the calculation of the benefit rate of most…

Certain Sections of Helping Families in Need Act Proclaimed into Force

Sections 15, 16 and 21 of the Helping Families in Need Act (“Act”) have been proclaimed into force effective March 24, 2013. Sections 15 and 16 amend the Employment Insurance Act (“EI Act”) to allow insured and self-employed persons who are in receipt of employment insurance (“EI”) parental benefits to qualify for EI sickness benefits…