Seeking expedited EI claims processing, extension of EI pilot project implemented in Alberta and Manitoba
The government of Newfoundland and Labrador is appealing to Ottawa for an extension of Employment Insurance (EI) benefits and increased flexibility for workers affected by the province’s ongoing wildfires.
Gerry Byrne, Minister of Jobs, Immigration and Growth, made the request in a letter to Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families.
Byrne expressed appreciation for the federal support already provided, including the deployment of Canadian Armed Forces and Coast Guard resources, but stressed the need for further action.
The province is seeking expedited EI claims processing for workers whose employment has been disrupted by wildfires, as well as an extension of the EI pilot project previously implemented in Alberta and Manitoba, which provided a one-time credit of 300 insurable hours to help workers qualify for EI during wildfire evacuations.
Reinstatement of work permits
Additionally, the provincial government is requesting the reinstatement of a 2024 special measure that allowed employer-specific work permit holders to transition to open work permits if their workplaces closed due to wildfires.
As of August 13, 2025, an estimated 227 nominees and endorsees under provincial immigration programs are within wildfire evacuation zones, a figure that may increase if further evacuations are necessary.
“Together, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians will get through this most difficult of firefighting seasons. To assist in that collective effort, workers who are displaced and impacted financially must get the necessary EI supports and work permit flexibility they require during this challenging time. That is why we are calling on the federal government to respond as it has for workers and their families in other parts of Canada,” said Byrne.
The province’s requests are in addition to existing EI flexibilities, such as waived waiting periods and changes to the Work-Sharing Program, already in place to assist Canadians impacted by other disruptions. The government continues to work with the Canadian Red Cross and Salvation Army to provide immediate support to those affected by the wildfires.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) released new findings in 2024 revealing that 70 percent of the world’s workers are going to be affected by a “cocktail” of climate-change related hazards.
EI support for workers, employers affected by wildfires
During a recent Question Period, the federal government outlined the current EI supports available for workers and employers affected by wildfire evacuations.
The government acknowledged the significant impact of wildfires and the increasing number of lengthy community evacuations on workers and employers. EI is designed to provide income support when workplaces must close due to disasters.
A pilot project introduced in 2024 for Jasper, Alberta, and Bunibonibee Cree Nation, Manitoba, provided a one-time credit of 300 insurable hours to affected workers, making it easier to qualify for EI and increasing the weeks of regular benefits available.
The government also noted that Service Canada facilitates expedited EI applications during significant disasters, but there is currently no flexibility to address the impact disasters can have on EI access and entitlement.
Temporary special measures have also been introduced to the Work-Sharing program to help employers and employees avoid layoffs during business disruptions caused by wildfires.
The government said it continues to monitor the impact of natural disasters on Canadians and stands ready to support affected workers, with established procedures in place to assist those applying for EI during wildfire evacuations.
