Expected Labour Law Changes In Canada (Federal And Ontario)

Employment insurance

Reduction in employment insurance waiting period: The federal government will reduce the waiting period before claimants begin to receive employment insurance ("EI") benefit payments from two weeks to one week. The total number of weeks of EI benefits payable will not change; claimants will simply be able to start receiving EI payments one week earlier than they do under the current rules. The shorter waiting period will apply to all types of EI benefits, including maternity, parental and sickness benefits.

Effective date: January 1, 2017

Action required: Employers should review their short term disability and sick leave plans to assess the impact of the shortened EI waiting period and determine whether changes are needed in order to administer their plans.