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: 80

▶ 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

Andrew Coyne: Canada’s Productivity Crisis is Now a National Security Issue

At the CrossRoads Crop Conference, the Globe and Mail columnist said slowing growth, aging demographics, and weak competition leave Canada dangerously exposed in an era of economic coercion. Andrew Coyne didn’t open with small talk. Speaking today at the CrossRoads Crop Conference in Edmonton, the Globe and Mail columnist said Canada is facing the “most serious economic and security crisis” of his lifetime — one that combines long-running domestic weaknesses with a rapidly shifting global order. Coyne framed the moment as a collision between two trends: Canada’s slowing economic growth and aging population, and a world where trade and security commitments are less reliable than Canadians have assumed. In that environment, he argued, Canada’s historic advantage — living next to the world’s largest economy and military — can quickly become a vulnerability. A foundational assumption is cracking Coyne’s core message was that Canada has built decades of policy — economic, fiscal, defence

Building a Herd That Works: EPDs, Genomics and Smart Genetic Investments

Julia and Robert operate a commercial cow-calf operation with a strong focus on making informed, strategic management and breeding decisions. They market all calves at weaning and have a goal to increase weaning weights by 20 pounds without sacrificing calving ease, which remains a key priority for both cow health and labour requirements. This year, they are looking to purchase one or two new herd sires. One afternoon at the kitchen table, coffee in hand, they were flipping through the latest bull sale catalogues full of glossy photos when they heard footsteps on the front porch. It was their trusted neighbour and fellow commercial cow-calf producer, Andy. “Bull shopping?” Andy commented when he saw the catalogues. “Trying to,” Julia replied with a puzzled glance, tapping a page covered in circled bull images. “Mind if I take a look?” asked Andy. Julia slid the catalogue over. “Sure. See what you think of our selections so far.” Andy was silent for a moment as he flipped through

Canola and Biofuels: Share Your Perspective

Canola oil is an excellent feedstock for biofuel production, offering farmers an additional domestic market opportunity for their canola crop. The national and provincial canola grower associations have come together to deepen our understanding of canola farmers’ views and knowledge about the connections between canola and biofuels. We’re interested in learning how farmers see the opportunities and challenges related to this growing market. Your feedback will help our organizations better inform policy discussions and strengthen our engagement with you. The survey takes about five minutes to complete, and all responses are anonymous. There are no right or wrong answers – we simply want to hear your perspective. Thank you for your participation! This survey is conducted in partnership with Canadian Canola Growers Association, BC Grain Producers, Alberta Canola, SaskOilseeds, Manitoba Canola Growers Association, and Ontario Canola Growers Association.

AAFC cuts hitting seven research sites

Canada’s ag sector is expressing concern over the full scope of cuts coming to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Ag included in PM’s affordability measures

Producers can fully write off some greenhouses

© 2026   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service