Ottawa suspends the week of waiting before the EI check

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The Canadian Press

This change basically means that effective January 31, Canadians will be able to receive benefits immediately after they apply. This change is expected to be in effect until September 25, when a series of temporary EI measures and the three “pandemic benefits” are due to expire.

The one-week rule suspension applies to claims for regular EI, fishing, and special benefits, such as maternity and parental leave.

The government had already canceled the one-year waiting period for claims for Employment Insurance sickness benefits made after September 27, 2020.

Employment and Workforce Development Minister Carla Qualtrough said in a statement Friday that the temporary waiver of the waiting period for all applicants is expected to ease the “huge financial burden on applicants. workers ”and support them more quickly“ when they need it most ”.

According to the most recent figures from Ottawa, nearly 2.3 million people are currently receiving EI benefits.

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