Given the recent extreme weather, flooding, and mudslides throughout our province and on behalf of Minister Qualtrough, the Government of Canada will temporarily waive certain requirements for Employment Insurance applications to help those affected by extreme flooding.

Affected workers are encouraged to apply for Employment Insurance benefits online as soon as possible. An application can be submitted and processed without a Record of Employment (ROE). However, their employer will be asked to provide an ROE with flexible timelines which will take into consideration the individual circumstances of the employer.

Claimants will have access to the current temporary measures that are in place under the Employment Insurance program, including the national entrance requirement of only 420 hours regardless of where an individual lives and a minimum of 14 weeks of benefits.

Those applying for EI benefits will need their Social Insurance Number (SIN). If they do not know their SIN or do not have a SIN, they can apply for one following the steps outlined here.

To process the application, Service Canada requires both a mailing address AND a residential address.

1. A mailing address to where they can receive mail (note: they can update this address later).
   • I.e., a friend’s address, a family member’s address or the address of a temporary shelter.
2. Their regular residential address (even if they are temporarily living somewhere else due to the flooding or wildfires).

To receive their payments without any postal delays due to flooding or mudslides, we encourage British Columbians to register for direct deposit. Not only will they be able to access their payments more quickly, but they will also never be lost, stolen or damaged.

Registration for direct deposit can be completed easily online by sending an eServiceCanada request. A representative will contact the client directly by telephone within 2 business days. For further information or if they need to speak to an officer to complete the application, they should contact the EI call centre at 1-800-206-7218.

Additional information on ESDC support measures during this time is available here.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out. Our office can be reached at 604-501-5900 or email Dan Ruimy, our Director of Constituency Operations at [email protected].

We are here to support you during this difficult time.