Employment Insurance extension to self-employed Canadians now in effect. One of the most significant enhancements to the Employment Insurance program
in a decade

MAPLE RIDGE, BC - Randy Kamp, MP for Pitt Meadows-Maple Ridge-Mission, wants self-employed Canadians to know that they can now register, on a voluntary basis, for Employment Insurance (EI) special benefits, which include maternity, parental, sickness and compassionate care
benefits.

"Our government expanded the Employment Insurance program to the self employed because it was the fair and right thing to do," said Kamp. "We believe that self-employed Canadians should not have to choose between their family and their business responsibilities."

With the passage of the Fairness for the Self Employed Act, self-employed Canadians can take advantage of the same special benefits that are available to salaried employees under the EI program.

As of January 31, 2010, self-employed Canadians have been able to register for the Employment Insurance program. Those who choose to take advantage of
these special benefits will be required to register at least one year prior to claiming them. However, as a transitional measure, those who register by April 1, 2010, will be able to make a claim as early as January 1, 2011.

This measure is part of the Government's commitment to make responsive and responsible choices to support Canadians through the Employment Insurance
program.

Other temporary measures the Government has undertaken to help those hardest hit by the economic downturn through Canada's Economic Action Plan include
providing longer EI benefits, more efficient service and support for training, and protecting jobs through Work-Sharing agreements. The Government has also frozen EI premiums for 2010 at the same rate as 2009.

For more information, visit www.servicecanada.gc.ca/self_employed_workers.