Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles - Chapter 15

15.6.0    EARNINGS TO BE DEDUCTED FROM BENEFITS

Fishers must report any earnings received while they are collecting benefits¹.

Earnings received from self-employment fishing are allocated equally to each day of the trip or, in the case of a cured catch, to the week of delivery. The amount to be deducted is the same amount as the amount determined under the insurability rules of the EI (Fishing) Regulations².

Earnings from employments other than fishing, including employments in fishing under a contract of service, are determined and allocated pursuant to EI Regulations³.

As in the case of non-fishing claimants, earnings of at least $50 or 25% of the claimant's weekly benefits if this latter amount is greater, are allowed before EI benefits are reduced⁴.

When it is learned that earnings have not been declared during the benefit period, the provisions in this regard⁵ apply. This means that the fisher would not benefit of the allowable earnings of 25% or $50. in case of fraud⁶.

However, the period referred to in this provision of the Act⁷ is the period in respect of which earnings are allocated under fishing regulations. Therefore, undeclared earnings in self-employment fishing are allocated according to the regular provisions of the EI (Fishing) Regulations⁸ but subject or not to the 25% or $50 depending whether it is a case of fraud or non-fraud⁹.

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1. EIR (Fishing) 10(1);
2. EIR (Fishing) 10(3);
3. EIR (Fishing) 10(2); EIR 35; EIR 36;
4. EIR (Fishing)  2; EIR (Fishing) 10(1);
5. EIA 19(3);
6. EIR (Fishing) 2; EIR (Fishing) 10(1);
7. EIA 19(3);
8. EIR (Fishing) 10(3);
9. EIR (Fishing) 10(4).