How do I get Canadian Employment Insurance ?

Question

If I am self employed (working as a contractor) on sole proprietor. If I don't qualify for SI, can I buy from private company? other alternatives available if I loose the work? Any known Goverment programes that I could benefit from?

This is for BC, CANADA.

Answer 1

Your best answer would come from Service Canada.  Call them at 1 800 206-7218.

Answer 2

When you are self employed, you do not pay into the Employment Insurance fund, and thus are not entitled to collect from it.  ( Is your employment insurable?

To know if your employment is among the insurable employments and if EI premiums should be deducted, refer to Canada Revenue Agency .)

Answer 3

There are no private companies that provide EI for self-employed people. You can purchase disability policies to cover if you are unable to work because of injury, but there are no insurers who cover your earnings if you are unable to work because no one wants to hire you.