Temporary Employment Insurance measures to respond to Major changes in economic conditions
Waiving the Waiting Period
The waiting period will be waived for all initial benefits claims established, regardless of benefit type, with a benefit period commencement (BPC) between March 30, 2025 and October 11, 2025 inclusively. Clients may serve the waiting period if it is to their advantage. If the client wishes to serve the waiting period, they must be referred to the Employment Insurance (EI) specialized call centre.
Monies paid or payable due to separation
Between March 30, 2025, and October 11, 2025, monies paid on separation received will not be allocated. This measure applies for initial, renewal and continuing claims regardless of the BPC.
Monies that are paid due to a temporary layoff or a permanent separation from employment are not allocated.
Separation monies can include the following:
- vacation pay
- pay in lieu of notice
- severance pay
- retirement allowance and retirement leave credits
- sick leave credits
- closure bonus
- separation or retirement bonus
- settlement payments
All other monies will be allocated in the usual manner. This measure will be implemented in the system on March 30, 2025.
Minimum Regional Rate of Unemployment (NOTE: Violations continue to apply)
This temporary measure applies to EI claims with a claim benefit period commencement of April 6, 2025 to July 12, 2025 inclusively. The Regional Rate of Unemployment (RRU) will be adjusted as follows:
- For regions where the rate of unemployment is 6.1% or lower, RRU will be 7.1%
- For all regions where the rate of unemployment is between 6.2% and 12%, 1% will be added to establish the RRU.
- For regions where the rate of unemployment is between 12.1% and 13%, the RRU will be 13.1%.
- For regions where the rate of unemployment is 13.1% or higher, there will be no changes to the RRU.
