Bill To Let Self-Employed Opt Into Employment Insurance

The federal government has introduced legislation that would allow self-employed workers to opt into Employment Insurance to receive special benefits. The Bill to Extend Employment Insurance Benefits to the Self-Employed would allow self-employed individuals to pay the same premiums as salaried employees, and after a year be eligible for maternity benefits, parental/adoptive benefits, sickness benefits and compassionate care benefits. They could opt out of the program at the end of any tax year, unless they had claimed benefits, in which case they would be required to pay premiums as long as they were self-employed.

The bill is part of a 2008 Conservative election promise, and is likely to receive support from the opposition. While the bill is only a small part of the changes that opposition parties have been pushing for to improve the Employment Insurance program, it is unlikely there will be much political objection. How popular it will be with the approximately 2.7 million self-employed in Canada is another matter, but the fact that it's optional will likely see it pass.

More About Employment Insurance in Canada
Regular Canadian Employment Insurance Benefits
Canadian Employment Insurance Applications
Apply Online for Canadian Employment Insurance
Compassionate Care Benefits