Measures for employers

Employment Insurance premium rate

Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada will freeze the Employment Insurance premium rate for 2010 at $1.73 per $100 of insurable earnings—the same rate as 2009 and the lowest level since 1982. This represents relief of $10.5 billion over 2009 and 2010 for Canadian workers and their employers.

Canada enjoys some of the lowest payroll taxes among countries in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, providing a competitive advantage to employees and their employers. The new measure ensures that premium rates for workers and employers will not increase during the economic downturn.

Work-Sharing program

Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada has introduced improvements to the Work-Sharing Program by extending Work-Sharing agreements by 14 weeks to a maximum of 52 weeks. This extension, which will be in effect until April 3, 2010, gives companies more time to recover. This initiative will cost an estimated $200 million.

Foreign credential recognition

Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the federal government will invest $50 million over the next two years in developing a framework to speed up the assessment and recognition of foreign qualifications. The Government will work with provinces and territories to develop the common framework.

Apprenticeship Completion Grant

As part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the federal government made a commitment to encourage skilled trades and apprenticeships by investing $40 million per year in a new Apprenticeship Completion Grant (ACG), which complements the existing Apprenticeship Incentive Grant. It is estimated that approximately 20,000 apprentices who complete their apprenticeship program and become certified in a designated Red Seal trade will be eligible for the ACG each year.

Services for employers

Mass layoffs

Do you have to lay off 10 or more employees? You can count on us to support you.

By contacting the Service Canada Centre in your area as promptly as possible, you will have access to the services of one of our specialists, who will guide you by offering personalized service and quick and easy access to all the information you need. We can:

  • meet with you to discuss the various terms and conditions that could affect your employees’ eligibility for Employment Insurance benefits;
  • provide you with support in preparing Records of Employment to facilitate processing and avoid delays;
  • organize a meeting with union representatives, or employees, or both, to answer their questions and inform the employees on how to file their Employment Insurance claims.

The Record of Employment on the Web (ROE Web)

The Record of Employment on the Web (ROE Web) is a secure online application that allows you to create, submit, and print 53-week ROEs on the Internet. ROE Web is an efficient, reliable, and convenient way to submit ROEs. It provides flexibility for employers by aligning ROE issuance with their pay cycles, reducing the administrative burden, and improving the quality of information received by Service Canada. ROE Web also improves service to employees who are applying for Employment Insurance benefits.

For more information

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