Employer News

1. Canada Employment Insurance Commission sets the 2022 Employment Insurance Premium Rate  

   The Canada Employment Insurance Commission (CEIC) today made available the Actuarial Report and its summary for the 2022 Employment Insurance (EI) premium rate. The rate is set at $1.58 per $100 of insurable earnings for employees and $2.21 for employers who pay 1.4 times the employee rate, which is unchanged from the 2020 and 2021 premium rate.

2. Government of Canada and Government of New Brunswick announce extension of support for quality early learning and child care across the province 

   The Government of Canada and the Government of New Brunswick have reached an agreement on an extension to the Canada–New Brunswick Early Learning and Child Care Agreement.

3. CBSA charges immigration consultant for fraud

   The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is committed to protecting Canadians and permanent residents from unethical immigration consultants. Today, following an extensive criminal investigation, the CBSA announced charges related to an alleged sophisticated for-profit misrepresentation and immigration fraud operation in Calgary.

4. Government of Canada invests in training to help workers in Manitoba become certified in the skilled trades

   Skilled tradespeople from across the country have been critical to essential sectors during the COVID-19 pandemic, and their expertise is in high demand. This demand is expected to remain high over the next 10 years, as over 700,000 skilled trades workers are expected to retire between 2019 and 2028, creating an ever-growing need to recruit and train thousands more. The Government is making targeted investments so that key groups facing barriers—such as women, newcomers, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, and visible minorities including Black and other racialized communities—can better find work in the skilled trades through projects led by unions and their partner organizations.

5. Government of Canada is reaching thousands of Canada’s most vulnerable during COVID-19

   COVID-19 continues to have a disproportionate impact on vulnerable Canadians, creating a great need for additional supports. Community-based service providers such as charities and non-profit organizations are on the front lines, serving critical social inclusion, well-being and safety needs during the pandemic. This is why the Government of Canada has worked with national intermediary partners—Community Foundations of Canada, Canadian Red Cross and United Way Centraide Canada—to disburse $350 million to community-based organizations since last May. This funding was used to power thousands of projects, train countless volunteers, and support their communities along the way.

6. Government of Canada seeks proposals to form a national institute for people of African descent 

   In Canada, diversity is our strength. That is why the Government of Canada committed to taking action to address systemic discrimination affecting Black Canadians.

7. Providing support to 72 young northern Canadians

   Canada’s economic recovery depends on young people being able to get good, well-paying jobs now and into the future. This is why the Government of Canada continues to make historic investments in young people, to ensure they have the supports and opportunities needed to build long and successful careers.

8. Backgrounder: Youth Employment and Skills Strategy funding

   The Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS) is a Government of Canada initiative delivered in collaboration with 11 federal departments and agencies, including Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). Through the YESS, the Government of Canada helps young people, particularly those facing barriers to employment, get the information and gain the skills, work experience and abilities they need to make a successful transition into the labour market. ESDC’s YESS program supports organizations that provide job placements and skills development services to young people, as well as a broad range of supports such as job coaching, mental health support, clothes for job interviews, day care services for parents and subsidized Internet access to help with job searches.

9. Charlottetown Airport is receiving $3.1 million from federal government to maintain regional connectivity and jobs

   Targeted ACOA support for Prince Edward Island’s air ecosystem will help maintain jobs, re-establish regional connections

10. Backgrounder: Investment Readiness Program Backgrounder

    Everyone deserves an equal and fair chance at success. Social purpose organizations (SPOs) play a fundamental role in helping communities across Canada tackle a range of pressing social issues. However, many need support to expand their capacity and acquire new skills that would allow them to deliver innovative solutions, address emerging challenges and access new sources of investment.

11. Work-integrated learning placements for students in Windsor 

    Young people, especially students, were among the hardest hit when the pandemic struck. That is why the Government of Canada continues to make historic investments to ensure that youth have the supports and opportunities they need to build long and successful careers. Since the start of the pandemic, the Government has created over 300,000 youth and student employment opportunities to ensure young Canadians do not become a lost generation.

12. Backgrounder: Student Work Placement Program

    The Student Work Placement Program supports partnerships between industry and post-secondary education institutions to create quality work-integrated learning opportunities for post-secondary students so that they can develop the work-ready skills that are required to secure meaningful employment upon graduation.

13. More work placements for Quebec’s post-secondary students

    The COVID-19 pandemic has had a tremendous impact on Canada’s youth, with many seeing their summer jobs, internships and graduation plans disappear. To help them during this unprecedented time, the Government of Canada has introduced supports for youth, including more than 300,000 employment opportunities for youth and students, since the beginning of the pandemic.

14. Government of Canada announces an agreement with the Government of Quebec to introduce a pilot project under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program

    As we continue our pandemic recovery, businesses are once again reopening their doors to Canadians. Already, we are seeing the economy returning to its pre-pandemic levels, and employers on their path to recovery are hiring in increasing numbers. For several years, Quebec has been experiencing workforce recruitment challenges, and even though the pandemic had a significant impact on unemployment in the province, worker shortages remain a problem.

15. The Governement of Canada offers support to students and youth

    The Minister of of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Marie-Claude Bibeau, will announce how the Government of Canada will continue to support access to work experience placements for postsecondary students in Quebec.

16. Government of Canada highlights investments in young Canadians through the Student Work Placement Program

    Government of Canada highlights investments in young Canadians through the Student Work Placement Program

17. Government of Canada highlights support for approximately 1,300 projects under the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative

    In Canada, diversity is our strength; that is why the Government of Canada is investing in initiatives that recognize the contributions of Black Canadians, and acknowledge the significant and unique challenges faced by their communities.

18. Minister Hussen to make an announcement in Toronto concerning the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative 

    The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, will announce how the Government of Canada is supporting Black-led organisations. He will be accompanied by Marci Ien, Member of Parliament for Toronto Centre.

19. Government of Canada to help youth have the supports and opportunities they need to build long and successful careers

    The Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough, will meet with young people from Boys and Girls Clubs Canada to discuss Canada Summer Jobs opportunities for youth across Canada.

20. Government of Canada invests in training to help workers across Canada become certified in the skilled trades

    To help maintain a strong workforce and better position our country for a prosperous economic recovery, the Government of Canada is investing in the skilled trades to ensure that Canadians have the training they need to access good, well-paying jobs. The Government is making targeted investments, so that key groups facing barriers—such as women, newcomers, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, and Black and racialized Canadians—can better find work in the skilled trades through projects led by unions and their partner organizations.

21. Government of Canada invests in training to help Canadian workers become certified in the skilled trades

    Filomena Tassi, Minister of Labour, will announce funding that will help certify skilled tradespeople and prepare them to fill available jobs across Canada.

22. Government of Canada proposes new regulations to improve protection of temporary foreign workers 

    The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for further action by the Government of Canada and its partners to improve the protection of temporary foreign workers. Year after year, these workers come to Canada to support our agriculture and agri-food industry and contribute greatly to Canada’s food security. Their hard work and expertise has been instrumental over the years and especially during the pandemic, and they deserve to be safe.

23. Deputy Prime Minister Highlights Support through Jobs and Growth Fund for Atlantic Canada

    The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, was in Fredericton to highlight how Atlantic Canada will benefit from the Government of Canada’s Jobs and Growth Fund.

24. Providing support to close to 650 young people in St. John’s and the Atlantic region 

    Canada’s economic recovery depends on young people being able to get good, well-paying jobs now and into the future. This is why the Government of Canada continues to make historic investments in young people, to ensure they have the supports and opportunities needed to build long and successful careers.

25. Government of Canada investment helping the fish and seafood sector in southern New Brunswick remain strong 

    Support helps local businesses navigate toward recovery

26. Southern New Brunswick’s fish and seafood processors get support from the Canadian Seafood Stabilization Fund

    Southern New Brunswick’s fish and seafood processors get support from the Canadian Seafood Stabilization Fund

27. Government of Canada highlights support for youth in Newfoundland and Labrador to launch meaningful careers

    The Minister of Labour, Filomena Tassi, will meet virtually with Choices for Youth in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, to discuss their project funding. She will be joined by the Minister of Natural Resources, Seamus O’Regan, and the Minister Responsible for Labour of Newfoundland and Labrador, Bernard Davis.

28. Employment Insurance consultations to be launched later this summer 

    Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of Canada has taken decisive action to provide Canadians with the support they need to stay safe and healthy. The Canada Emergency Response Benefit and, later, the Canada Recovery Benefits have been important lifelines for many Canadians workers and their families during these unprecedented times.

29. Providing support to 232 young British Columbians facing barriers to employment 

    Canada’s economic recovery depends on young people being able to get good, well-paying jobs now and into the future. This is why the Government of Canada continues to make historic investments in young people, to ensure they have the supports and opportunities needed to build long and successful careers.

30. Government of Canada providing support for young British Columbians facing barriers to employment 

    Marco Mendicino, Member of Parliament for Eglinton—Lawrence and Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, will announce funding for projects that will help youth overcome barriers in the workforce.

31. Revitalizing Downtown Sydney 

    Cape Breton Regional Municipality receives boost to drive tourism recovery

32. Government of Canada to announce support for regional airport 

    Mike Kelloway, Member of Parliament for Cape Breton-Canso, will make an announcement regarding support for the regional airport’s post-COVID recovery. Jaime Battiste, Member of Parliament for Sydney-Victoria, will also speak at the event.

33. Support for Young Canadians on World Youth Skills Day

    Canada’s future recovery depends on the opportunities and support we provide to our young people today. As a result of the pandemic, many students and youth have faced unique challenges and have seen their plans disrupted. As we build back better and stronger, the Government of Canada is focused on providing young people with greater access to post-secondary education, skills training and the job opportunities they need to succeed as they prepare to enter the labour market.

34. Backgrounder: Skills development opportunities for youth

    Young people and students have an important role to play in supporting Canada’s economic recovery and future growth. That is why we are taking strong action to ensure that young people and students have the skills and opportunities they need for their long-term goals. A description of youth and student supports delivered by Employment and Social Development Canada, a department of the Government of Canada, is featured below.

35. New commissioner appointments to the Canada Employment Insurance Commission

    The Canada Employment Insurance Commission (CEIC) plays a leadership role, with Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), in overseeing the Employment Insurance (EI) program. It is mandated with annually monitoring and assessing the EI program. It is also responsible for ensuring financial transparency and rate setting for EI.

36. Government of Canada launches Task Force to review the Employment Equity Act

    The Employment Equity Act is an important tool for Canada to promote fairness, equality and diversity in federally regulated workplaces. Since its introduction in 1986, continued progress has been made for the four designated groups covered by the Act. However, there is still work ahead to address inequalities and long-standing barriers that limit workers from reaching their full potential. The COVID-19 pandemic, recent tragedies and movements for social change have made this even clearer.

37. Backgrounder: Employment Equity Act Review Task Force

    Operating at arm’s length from the Government of Canada, the Task Force’s mandate is to undertake a comprehensive review of the Employment Equity Act and the federal employment equity framework.

38. Virtual launch of the Employment Equity Act Review Task Force

    The Minister of Labour, Filomena Tassi, will announce the launch of the Employment Equity Act Review Task Force. She will be accompanied by the Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth, Bardish Chagger, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Labour, Anthony Housefather, and the Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and to the President of the Treasury Board, Greg Fergus.

39. Government of Canada announces that the Pay Equity Act will come into force on August 31, 2021

    The implementation of the Pay Equity Act is an important part of the Government of Canada’s commitment to close the gender wage gap and ensure that workers receive equal pay for work of equal value. It will put into place long-term, sustainable changes that will ensure that women’s work is valued and compensated fairly, now and into the future. This is especially significant as the Government of Canada works to ensure an inclusive economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

40. Virtual event on the future of pay equity in Canada

    The Minister of Labour, Filomena Tassi, accompanied by the Pay Equity Commissioner, Karen Jensen will be participating in a virtual discussion on the future of pay equity in Canada. They will highlight the coming into force date for the Pay Equity Act and the publication of the final Pay Equity Regulations in Canada Gazette, Part II.

41. Canada Summer Jobs: Opportunities now available for young Canadians in the Quebec City region 

    The COVID-19 pandemic has had a tremendous impact on all Canadians, but especially on young Canadians. That is why the Government of Canada continues to make historic investments to ensure that youth have the supports and opportunities they need to build long and successful careers.

42. Federal minimum wage of $15 per hour to come into effect on December 29, 2021

    Quality, dependable jobs are a driver of a strong economy. Canada’s prosperity and stability depend on every Canadian having a fair chance to succeed. Yet, some Canadians find themselves working part-time, temporary or low-wage jobs—sometimes more than one—in order to support themselves and their families.

43. Joint Statement of the Labour Council  Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement 

    The Labour Council (the Council) of the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) convened its first meeting on June 29, 2021. Pursuant to Article 23.14 of the CUSMA, the Council may consider any matter within the scope of the Labour Chapter and perform other functions as the Parties may decide. The Council is composed of senior governmental representatives from trade and labour ministries, as designated by each Party.

44. Providing high potential growth firms with one-on-one coaching 

    Cumberland Business Connector offers 18-month accelerator program

45. Backgrounder:  Biographies – Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety

    Governor representing Employers – Joseph Bajzath

46. Government of Canada supports fish and seafood sector in northeastern New Brunswick 

    Investments helping local businesses navigate toward recovery

47. Northeastern New Brunswick’s fish and seafood processors get support from the Canadian Seafood Stabilization Fund

    Northeastern New Brunswick’s fish and seafood processors get support from the Canadian Seafood Stabilization Fund

48. Government of Canada to outline support for fish and seafood sector in northeastern New Brunswick

    Government of Canada to outline support for fish and seafood sector in northeastern New Brunswick