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: 101

▶ 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

Meat Institute Pushes Back on Trump Processing Plan

President Trump has announced plans to allow farmers and ranchers to process their own meat as part of an effort to address concerns about concentration in the meatpacking sector.

AgriStability Deadline Extended to Oct. 1 for Alberta Producers

Alberta producers affected by excessive moisture this growing season have more time to enrol in AgriStability, while those already eligible for interim payments will be able to access a larger share of their estimated benefit sooner. According to the Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC), the Alberta and federal governments have opened late participation in the 2026 AgriStability program until Oct. 1 in response to wet conditions that have affected many farms since the original April 30 enrolment deadline. The interim payment rate for 2026 has also been increased to 75% of the estimated final AgriStability payment, up from 50%. AFSC said the change is intended to improve cash flow for producers facing financial pressure during a difficult growing season. AFSC CEO Darryl Kay said record moisture levels have left some producers unable to access fields or complete essential farm work, creating significant uncertainty and financial stress. “AgriStability is designed to

Map: August Weather Drier for Much of Western Canada

Western Canada saw a sharply uneven precipitation pattern over the 30 days ending Wednesday, with the driest conditions concentrated across Saskatchewan and parts of southern Alberta and Manitoba. As can be seen on the map below, large portions of southern and central Saskatchewan received less than 40% of normal precipitation during the period, with another broad area receiving just 40% to 60%. Much of southern Manitoba was also drier than normal, although some pockets received above-average rainfall. Alberta precipitation was variable. The pattern reflects a growing season finish that has been considerably drier across parts of the Prairies, particularly Saskatchewan, following wetter conditions earlier in the summer. In Saskatchewan, the lack of late-season rainfall likely accelerated crop maturation and helped fields dry down as harvest approached, although it may also have limited final yield potential for later-developing crops in the driest areas. In Alberta, comparatively

Saskatchewan Harvest Still Lagging Average Pace

The Saskatchewan harvest accelerated this past week but remains behind the previous year and well back of average. Thursday's weekly crop report showed the provincewide harvest at 11% complete as of Monday. That compares to 4% a week earlier, and the five- and 10-year averages of 25% and 21%. Last year at this time, 12% of the crop was in the bin. Harvest progress varied widely by region. The Southwest was furthest along at 27% complete, followed by the Southeast at 11% and West-central region at 8%. East-central Saskatchewan was 5% harvested, while the Northeast and Northwest were each just 1% complete. Warm daytime temperatures and cooler evenings helped crops mature across much of the province, while generally dry conditions supported fieldwork. However, rainfall, strong winds and periods of high humidity slowed operations in some areas. Later-seeded crops are now beginning to turn, with harvesting expected to expand soon, the report added.. Producers continued to focus o

Sclerotinia Fungicide Sensitivity Survey

Manitoba Canola Growers along with SaskOilseeds, Alberta Canola, Canola Council of Canada and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) are currently funding research projects that evaluate sclerotinia for sensitivity to fungicides with different modes of action. Sclerotinia with levels of insensitivity and immunity to common modes of action, have already been identified in Manitoba through this project. With favorable conditions across the province in 2026 we need samples from across the province to understand how widespread this problem is and provide farmers with recommendations for fungicide stewardship and efficacy. You will receive fungicide test results from the samples you have submitted. Combined results with samples from across Manitoba and the other provinces will be shared publicly at the RM level. All other field information will be handled confidentially. Sampling and Submission Instructions From a single canola field collect 1-10 sclerotia from infected stems at crop ma

© 2026   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service