EI benefits for self-employed seems likely

There is soon a chance that EI Benefits would be extended to the 2.6 million self-employed persons in Canada. The benefits would be available as special benefits that would extend to issues dealing with maternity leave and compassionate care leave. The regular weekly benefits would not be an option for self-employed, given that they could obviously lay themselves off. The bill seems likely to pass, given the multi-party support. The logic is obviously that entrepreneurs and self-employed should not have to chose between the day to day operations of their business and/or families.  IF the bill passes, then self-employed could start paying premiums at the 2009 levels. EI benefits consist of mat leave benefits (for up to 15 weeks), parental and adoptive benefits (for up to 35 weeks), sickness benefits (for up to 15 weeks), and compassionate care benefits (for up to six weeks).