The “Information Handbook for Employment Insurance Board of Referees” is available in PDF format - the file can be opened with the freely available Acrobat Reader.

Purpose of this handbook

This handbook provides an overview of the Employment Insurance (EI) appeal system and structure as well as the roles and responsibilities of the Employment Insurance Boards of Referees, as prescribed under the Employment Insurance Act, Employment Insurance Regulations and related jurisprudence.

IMPORTANT NOTE

PILOT PROJECTS UNDER SECTION 109 OF THE EI ACT

Section 109 of the Employment Insurance Act allows the Commission, upon approval by Governor in Council, to set up pilot projects. The purpose of the pilot projects must be to test the potential impact of envisaged changes to the Employment Insurance Act or Regulations that would make it more consistent with current industry practices, trends or patterns, or would improve service to the public. In addition, the pilot project must be the only way to test the impact a change in the program would have on employees, employers and claimants.

Pilot projects can be limited to specific areas or implemented nationally. However, they cannot last more than three years.

Information with respect to current pilot projects will be made available to the Board of Referees during their annual information sessions.

NEW

Employment Insurance is now being delivered by Service Canada - the Government of Canada's new service delivery network that brings a range of federal services and benefits together to meet Canadians' needs. Service Canada offers easy-to-access, one stop, personalized service. For more information about Service Canada or to find the Service Canada Centre, the public may visit us on-line at servicecanada.gc.ca or call 1 800 0-Canada.