Newly imposed tariffs on Canadian goods pose a significant challenge to employers and the economy. In response, the Canadian government announced a number of temporary Employment Insurance measures on March 21, 2025, which will be implemented via pilot project. These new measures are intended to help workers impacted by the tariffs which have been imposed on Canadian goods.

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These new measures include:

• Suspending the rules regarding severance, vacation and other monies upon separation for six months. This will allow claimants to receive their EI benefits sooner, without being required to use up the benefits listed above. This applies to all new claimants between March 30, 2025 and October 11, 2025.
• Waiving the waiting period for six months, allowing workers to receive their benefits from the first week of unemployment. This applies to all new claimants between March 30, 2025 and October 11, 2025.
• Adjusting regional unemployment rates that determine duration and access to EI benefits for three months. This reduces the hours required to access benefits to a maximum of 630 hours. This measure also increases EI entitlements by up to four weeks. This applies to claims between April 6, 2025 and July 12, 2025.

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If you have any questions about how these changes might impact your business or your EI Claim, don’t hesitate to contact the Employment Law Team at KSW Lawyers.

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