Ontario Agriculture

The network for agriculture in Ontario, Canada

EI for the Self Employed

From CBC.ca...."The federal government on Tuesday will introduce legislation that would allow the self-employed to opt into the employment insurance plan and collect parental leave benefits.A senior government official told CBC news that once the legislation is passed, anyone wanting to opt in would have to pay regular EI premiums for a year before taking a leave.Once a self-employed person has accessed EI, they would have to continue paying premiums for as long as they are self-employed."
Would impact will this have on Agriculture in Canada if any?

Views: 91

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Joann on November 3, 2009 at 6:03am
"That means everyone from small business owners to farmers can now access maternity leave, parental and adoptive benefits, and sickness and compassionate care benefits for the first time, though they will not get EI's regular weekly income replacement should they become unemployed."
http://www.thestar.com/business/article/720351---special-ei-benefit...

Smoke and mirrors.

People can start to pay the premiums but can't access it for a year with limitations.

I can't see it being a huge benefit for farm families considering the impact of farm income splitting.
Permalink Reply by Wayne Black on November 3, 2009 at 7:50am
It "looks" great but as a farmer and insurance programs - we tend to carry some of the risk ourselves. As someone who has already gone through the process of having children with no Mat leave or benefits, and watching friends enjoy the privilege, I would have enjoyed having it but after reading some of the details - question it.
For example - on the surface going back 7 years, I would sign up immediately. After getting married, having 3 children (and kept working since I live in my workplace), I would see about opting out after having children. BUT....
in an email just received on this issue: "You can opt out only if you have never claimed a benefit - if any benefit is claimed you need to pay premium as long as you remain self-employed "
So some farmers continue until they... you know when. Paying premiums for 50 years for a 16 week stint for children? Also - the premium will have to be adjusted in order to compensate for the lack of "Income Loss" compensation.
I can not see many farmers signing up for this program once they read the details. Most likely one spouse may receive some benefits through their off-farm workplace. Also - once some of these farms are set up as a corporate operation - it may not be any different than working for Volvo than working for "Blackmega Dairy" owned by your parents.

▶ Reply to Discussion

RSS

Agriculture Headlines from Farms.com Canada East News - click on title for full story

Unmatched, Unbeatable: TELUS Rewards earns global loyalty award recognition and unveils massive program enhancements

TELUS Rewards is setting a new standard for customer loyalty with major new enhancements that give Canadians more benefits, more savings, and more everyday value. Starting today, every TELUS Rewards member gains access to an expanded suite of health, travel, entertainment and lifestyle perks worth more than $400 in annual value -- simply for being a TELUS customer. This commitment to member value has earned TELUS Rewards global recognition, with three first-place honours at the 2026 Loyalty360 Awards, including the 360-Degree Brand Award. The expanded lineup of exclusive benefits now available to all members include: New TELUS Perks: Complimentary access to a virtual counselling session through TELUS Health MyCare (valued at up to $120), plus a complimentary veterinary consultation through TELUS Health MyPet (a $40 annual value) -- making it easier for members to access trusted support and care for themselves and their pets. New Partner Perks: Everyday savings through new partnerships

Canadian Cattle Young Leaders Program Reveals 2026 Semi-Finalists

Canadian Cattle Young Leaders (CYL) is pleased to announce the semi-finalists for the upcoming 2026–2027 program year. Established by the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) in 2010, the Canadian CYL Program welcomes young people ages 18–35 from across Canada involved in all areas of the beef supply chain. The program aims to build the next generation of industry leaders by providing unique mentorship, training, and professional and personal development opportunities in the Canadian beef industry. With impressive submissions from youth across the country, our judging panel had a tough task of selecting this year’s semi-finalists. Applications are available annually from early January to the end of March on the Canadian CYL Program website. Semi-finalists will be invited to attend the annual Selections Competition in August which will be held this year in conjunction with the Canadian Beef Industry Conference in Winnipeg, MB. The semi-finalists will participate in judged roundtable dis

EMILI to trial smart spore detection, early disease warning on Manitoba potato farm (Manitoba Cooperator)

A recent Manitoba Cooperator article highlights one of the projects taking place on EMILI’s Innovation Farms powered by AgExpert. Potato diseases can move quickly when field conditions line up to favour infection, so when ag tech accelerator EMILI approached Sheldon Wiebe about what technology might help at his MacGregor, Man., potato farm, he didn’t hesitate. “Early disease detection was at the top of our list,” said Wiebe, president and co-owner of J.P. Wiebe Ltd. His suggestion led EMILI’s Innovation Farms team to BioScout, an Australian-developed system that monitors airborne spores and uses artificial intelligence to help identify disease risk before symptoms are visible in the field. Leanne Koroscil, EMILI’s Innovation Farms manager, described the system as “like a microscope in a field.”

New report highlights five actions to drive agriculture innovation

“Digital tools are already revolutionizing the way food is being produced worldwide, including here at home,” said EMILI Manager, Public Policy and Stakeholder Engagement Kyle Volpi Hiebert. “That leaves Canada with a stark choice: actively shape and accelerate this transition, or risk falling behind peers who move more decisively.” At a Digital Crossroads follows a 2025 report produced by CAPI and EMILI undertaken to assess the state of digital agriculture in Canada and common barriers to on-farm adoption of new technologies. This new report builds off that work by expanding its scope to identify how gains in primary production will only translate into stronger performance if they are matched by increased digital capacity in processing and throughout the broader supply chain. “Global and regional uncertainty are now an entrenched feature of the operating environment for the Canadian agri-food industry,” said Volpi Hiebert. “We hope this work can contribute insights to inform importa

New cabinet members focused on what matters

These changes will ensure cabinet is prepared to continue advancing Alberta’s agenda of economic growth, stronger health care, safer communities and affordability for families. The updated cabinet includes both experienced and newly appointed ministers who will continue delivering on the priorities that matter most to Albertans, including growing the economy, strengthening front-line services, keeping communities safe and supporting Alberta families. “Albertans expect their government to stay focused on the issues that matter most in their daily lives. This cabinet will continue working to strengthen our economy, improve services, support safe communities and ensure Alberta remains the best place in Canada to live, work and raise a family.” Danielle Smith, Premier Members taking on new roles include: Minister of Affordability and Utilities, RJ Sigurdson Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, Tara Sawyer Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services, Nathan Neudorf Minister of Ho

© 2026   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service