March 20th, 2026 Gatineau, Quebec Employment and Social Development Canada
In a rapidly changing world, Canada's Government is focused on what we control - transforming our economy to one that is stronger, more sustainable, and more independent, built on the skills and expertise of Canada's talented workers. Ensuring the right Employment Insurance (EI) supports are in place to protect workers from global disruptions is crucial to this work.
In March 2025, the government took quick action to introduce a pilot project that improved access to EI for workers whose jobs were impacted by US tariffs.
Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, announced the Government will further extend beyond April 2026 the three existing temporary EI measures that:
- Waive the one-week EI waiting period so that claimants can receive benefits for the first week of their EI claim, softening the shock of an income drop. The extended measure would apply to claims established between March 30, 2025, and October 10, 2026.
- Suspend the treatment of monies paid on separation so that claimants can receive EI benefits without having to first exhaust separation payments received from the employer (e.g., severance payments). The extended measure would apply to claims established, or allocations commencing, between March 30, 2025, and October 10, 2026.
- Provide 20 additional weeks of regular benefits for long-tenured workers so that workers who may require more time to find new employment have access to additional weeks of income support. The extended measure would apply to claims starting on or after June 15, 2025, until October 10, 2026.
This six-month extension means reliable and timely EI support will continue for workers in sectors and regions across Canada impacted by the economic impacts of tariffs.
