Journal
Employment Insurance: continued relief for workers 

Prime Minister Carney’s announcement last Friday confirmed that two temporary measures, originally set to end in October, will now be extended until April 11, 2026: 

1. Elimination of the waiting period: no more waiting a week to start receiving benefits. Support begins in the very first week. 

2.  Access to benefits even with severance pay: workers who lose their jobs will be able to receive Employment Insurance without having to use up their severance first. 

These measures provide concrete support to hundreds of thousands of workers. But let’s keep in mind: they are still temporary. The labour movement continues to push for a comprehensive reform of Employment Insurance , one that is fairer and truly universal.