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: 88

▶ 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

From the Middle East to Alberta: How Oil Tensions Are Raising Farm Costs

Even without supply shortages, risk premiums on diesel and fertilizer are cutting into farm profitability ahead of spring. A global oil chokepoint disruption is rippling into Alberta farms, raising input costs and adding uncertainty just ahead of seeding. Rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East — particularly around the Strait of Hormuz — are once again sending shockwaves through global energy markets. While the disruption is thousands of kilometres away, Alberta farmers and seed growers are already feeling the effects through higher diesel and fertilizer costs, tightening margins ahead of the 2026 growing season. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical oil chokepoints, with roughly a fifth of global petroleum liquids passing through it each day. Any perceived threat to shipping in the region tends to trigger immediate price volatility, as markets price in risk even before physical supply is disrupted. That’s exactly what Alberta producers saw following the

Building Without a Permit Could Cost You More Than You Think

The National Resources Conservation Board (NRCB) is seeing a concerning trend: unauthorized construction at confined feeding operations has increased significantly. Complaints have increased by approximately 32 per cent from 2024, and enforcement actions have jumped by about 125 per cent. Under Alberta’s Agricultural Operation Practices Act (AOPA), it is illegal to begin construction of a confined feeding operation, manure storage facility (such as an earthen manure storage or manure lagoon), or a manure collection area (such as a barn floor, feedlot pen, or catch basin) without first obtaining the required NRCB permits. Constructing before your permit application has been approved or building something different than stated in your permit are both also considered unauthorized construction. Consequences can include: Enforcement orders Prosecution Additional costs, such as depopulating livestock from unpermitted facilities Financial institutions are also asking for NRCB documentati

4-H Alberta programs and scholarships offer new opportunities for youth this spring

Alberta youth involved in 4-H will have a range of opportunities to build skills, gain experience, and plan for the future this spring, with new provincial programs and scholarships now open for 2026. As outlined in its latest Scoops newsletter, 4-H Alberta continues to emphasize hands-on learning and leadership development through its “learn to do by doing” approach, with upcoming programs designed to help members strengthen practical and life skills. Upcoming provincial programs Several provincial programs are scheduled in the coming months, including: Spring Senior Symposium The 4-H Alberta Spring Senior Symposium and Trip Selection, taking place April 30 to May 3 at Lakeland College. The program brings together senior members from across the province for leadership development, networking, and national and international travel selection opportunities. Ultimate Bullfighting and Equus Experience Another popular event returning this spring is the Ultimate Bullfighting and Equus

Serious concern with planned cuts to N.B. public vet services

Farmers and veterinarians worry these cuts will do more harm than good

Start early, talk openly: why transition planning matters more than ever

For many business owners, planning to transition what we’ve spent our lives building to the next generation of owners is something we know we need to do, but it’s also something we tend to put off.

© 2026   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service