Employment insurance

Workers in Canada pay premiums on their earnings to contribute to the Employment insurance (EI) program, which provides money for those with enough accumulated hours of paid work who have either lost their jobs and can't find work or who have quit with good reason. In 2002, about 84% of individuals in such a situation were eligible for EI.

EI benefits are also provided to parents who want to take time off work to care for newborns. From November 18, 1990 to December 30, 2000, the maximum number of eligible weeks of maternity, parental and sickness benefits combined was 30 weeks. Changes in legislation, however, made it possible for those with babies born on or after December 31, 2000 to qualify for a total of 50 weeks, with a maximum of 15 weeks for maternity benefits available to the biological mother, and a maximum of 35 weeks for parental or adoptive benefits, which can be shared by both parents (biological or adoptive).

Despite a 3% reduction in the number of approved claims, EI benefit payments increased to just under $15 billion in 2002, a 13% increase from the year before. This increase is largely a result of a nearly 23% increase in benefits paid out in Ontario alone. Around half of both Canada's and Ontario’s increased payments were from adoption and parental benefits. 

In 2002, $223 million was paid out each month for all maternity, parental and adoption benefit programs. This is a 119% increase over 2000. Maternity benefits increased the least (13%), whereas parental and adoption benefits were each nearly four times higher.

Another legislative change took effect on March 3, 2002, ensuring that the 50-week EI eligibility period for parents is no longer reduced by the weeks of sickness benefits the mother may need during pregnancy.