Employment-related social programs

Various social programs have been established by the government to help workers injured on the job, workers who have lost their job and individuals having difficulty finding a job.

	PRACTICAL ADVICE
	If you lost your job or cannot find one, consult the guide Learning about Québec. It contains information and methods for easing your adaptation and integration into the Québec job market. It also provides information on services and resources available to help you look for a job.

Workplace accidents

If you are injured on the job or develop a disease as a result of your job, you are eligible, under certain conditions, for income replacement benefits as well as physical, social and occupational rehabilitation services. This public workers’ protection plan is administered by the Commission de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CSST) of Québec.

Employment insurance

Individuals who lose their job are eligible, under certain conditions, for the employment insurance plan and are entitled to benefits. All employers and employees must contribute to this public insurance plan.

When you receive employment insurance benefits, you receive a percentage of your salary for a limited period of time, and you must prove that you are looking for work. If you are on unemployment, you must go to a Canada Human Resources Centre, with the appropriate documents, including your record of employment, issued to you by your employer.

Income security

If, in spite of your search, you are unable to find a job and you have no income, you may have to resort to income security ( employment assistance). You can apply for last resort financial assistance at the local employment centre closest to you.

If you were admitted to Québec as a sponsored immigrant, you must first contact your sponsor who committed, under contract, to ensure your basic needs as well as those of your accompanying family members (housing, food, clothing, personal needs).

If you were selected in the worker or businessperson category (self-employed worker or entrepreneur), you committed to having at your disposal sufficient funds to meet your needs as well as those of accompanying family members for your first three months in Québec. Consequently, you and your family members will not be eligible for last resort financial assistance for the first three months following your date of arrival as a permanent resident.

To learn more Learning about Québec: Guide for my successful integration

Useful links

• Commission de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CSST)
  Information on occupational health and safety, workplace accidents and occupational diseases.
• Human Resources and Social Development Canada – Employment Insurance
  Information on employment insurance.
• Ministère de l’Emploi et de la Solidarité sociale – Income security
  Information on income security.