What these benefits offer

From: Employment and Social Development Canada

Employment Insurance (EI) provides regular benefits to individuals who lose their jobs through no fault of their own (for example, due to shortage of work, or seasonal or mass lay-offs) and are available for and able to work, but can't find a job.

Always apply for EI benefits as soon as you stop working. You can apply for benefits even if you have not yet received your record of employment. If you delay filing your claim for benefits for more than four weeks after your last day of work, you may lose benefits.