Workers across Canada access EI for income support when they are unemployed, sick, on pregnancy or parental leave, or providing care to a sick loved one. EI is a social insurance system where workers and employers contribute to create a critical social safety net.
Right now, workers face barriers accessing EI including:
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Many part-time, precarious, and migrant workers do not have enough hours to qualify for EI;
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The 55% wage replacement level leaves most workers struggling and some living below the poverty line;
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Depending on where you live, EI benefits for unemployment can last as few as 14 weeks, which leaves workers in the lurch.
We can do better. Take action now to build an EI system that works for everyone!