Seasonal-worker extended EI benefits window stretched to October 2028, eligibility region definition updated

Plain-language summary · AI-assisted · not legal advice

The amendment extends the time window during which seasonal workers can qualify for additional weeks of Employment Insurance regular benefits. The cut-off date for benefit periods that qualify under the seasonal-worker exception has been moved from October 24, 2026 to October 7, 2028, giving eligible claimants more time to access the enhanced benefit schedule. Two future changes are also flagged in the legislation: the geographic eligibility criterion will eventually shift from a fixed list of regions in Schedule VI to regions defined by regulation, and one of the two qualifying conditions (paragraph (b)) will be repealed at that time. Seasonal workers living in currently designated regions who have had repeated seasonal benefit periods should check whether they qualify for the extended weeks available under Schedule V.

Who this affects: seasonal workers receiving EI regular benefits · workers ordinarily resident in designated high-unemployment regions · employers with seasonal workforces · HR and payroll professionals administering EI claims