COVID-19 and the Canadian workforce Reforming EI to protect more workers

Employment, Health Care

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The impacts of COVID-19 present many risks to workers. This paper puts forward that Canada’s income support systems need to be made more resilient and responsive to the needs of workers who are either quarantined or whose industries are heavily impacted. The document examines how well protected Canadian workers are now and what else should be done to better insulate them from the risks presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Download this 16 page document to consider the recommendations within.

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    How to use this resource:

    • Begin by considering the first section regarding what has been done and what needs to be done. Discuss the ideas within and add to these as comments arise.

    • Consider access to employment insurance and what equivalent social supports the government could or should offer.

    • Compare the initial discussion with the final section of the paper and use this as a start point for further exploration.

    • Reflect on what this document shares regarding the work being done in Canada to support the Canadian workforce as compared to knowledge of what is happening in other countries.

    Engaging for Health Equity is a project of the Division of Social Accountability.

    The DSA is proud to be a part of the Saskatoon Inter-Agency Response to COVID-19 and for the critical equity-informed work that is happening in Saskatoon.

    Important: For public health recommendations on COVID–19 (symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, prevention and risk, and travel advice), please visit the Government of Canada’s website.

    For Saskatchewan COVID-19 news and information, visit the Government of Saskatchewan’s website.

    The DSA office is situated in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis and we acknowledge Saskatchewan as the traditional territory of First Nations and Métis people, which includes Treaties 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 10. We pay our respect to the First Nations and Métis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. We recognize the legacies of colonialism and systemic racism in Saskatchewan, which requires focused and sustained societal efforts as we confront historical and contemporary injustices and achieve health equity for all.