New Benefits for the Self-Employed  

BRANDON – February 1, 2010 - Merv Tweed, MP for Brandon-Souris, is pleased to announce that self-employed Canadians can now apply to receive Employment Insurance (EI) special benefits.

The “Fairness for the Self-Employed Act” will extend EI special benefits, including maternity, parental, sickness and compassionate care to Canadians who operate their own business.

“Self-employed Canadians will now have the peace of mind knowing they can access special benefits to cope with major life events such as the birth of a child, an illness, or caring for a gravely ill family member,” said Tweed.

Self-employed Canadians now have the option to voluntarily opt into the EI program effective today.  This option will be available to approximately 2.6 million self-employed Canadians.

“These enhancements to EI are another example of a campaign commitment our Conservative Government has kept,” noted Tweed.  “This represents one of the most significant enhancements to the EI program in decades.”