This is great news to the 2.8 million self-employed Canadians who now have access to special benefits “……because it was the fair and right thing to do,” said Minister of State Moore. “Families are the foundation of our great country. Our government believes that self-employed Canadians should not have to choose between their family and their business responsibilities.”

Those who choose to take advantage of EI special benefits will be required to register at least one year prior to claiming benefits. However, as a transitional measure in this first year, those who register on or before April 1, 2010, will be able to make a claim for benefits as early as January 1, 2011.

This measure is part of the Government’s commitment to make responsive and responsible choices to support Canadians through the EI program.

“Our government is helping Canadians who have previously had little or no income protection to cope with major life events. Our government has listened and has delivered results for self-employed Canadians who are an integral part of our economy and economic recovery,” said Minister of State Moore.

EI for the self-employed is the latest in a series of improvements that the Government has made to the program. In November, the Government extended the length of time long‑tenured workers can receive regular EI benefits.

To help those hardest hit by the economic downturn, the Government has undertaken other measures through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, including providing longer EI benefits, more efficient service and support for training, and protecting jobs through Work-Sharing agreements. The Government has also frozen EI premiums for 2010 at the same rate as 2009.

For more information, visit www.servicecanada.gc.ca/self_employed_workers.