Politics · Canada · 13 hrs ago
Canada will not appeal ruling for Quebec mothers denied EI benefits
The Federal Court of Appeal ruled for six Quebec mothers who were denied regular Employment Insurance benefits after losing their jobs during or soon after maternity or parental leave.
The women argued that parts of Canada's Employment Insurance Act treated them unfairly.
They had not worked enough insurable hours in the previous 52 weeks to qualify, in part because they were on leave caring for their children.
The court found that denying them benefits was discriminatory and disproportionately affected women.
The federal government says it will not appeal the ruling, ending the legal fight.
Instead, it plans to work on changes to the EI system in the coming year to bring the law in line with the decision and better support working parents.
Canada will not appeal a Federal Court of Appeal ruling in favour of six Quebec mothers who were denied regular EI benefits after losing their jobs during or shortly after maternity or parental leave.
The court ruled in September that denying the benefits was discriminatory.
The mothers had argued that the law disproportionately affected women.
The federal government says it will focus on amending the legislation to align with the ruling.
The government says it will work on solutions in the coming year to better reflect the needs of working parents.
- Who
- The federal government and six Quebec mothers who challenged the Employment Insurance Act.
- What
- Canada will not appeal a ruling that found it discriminatory to deny the mothers regular EI benefits after job loss.
- When
- The government confirmed its decision the week before CBC published its report on Nov. 9, 2026. The court ruled in September.
- Where
- Quebec; the ruling was issued by the Federal Court of Appeal.
- Why
- The court found the denial discriminatory. The government says it will amend the legislation to align with the ruling.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Laurie Chalifour-Racine was laid off while on maternity leave.
The Federal Court of Appeal ruled in favour of the six mothers.
The group learned that the federal government would not appeal the ruling.
- Mothers in the case
- 6 Quebec women
- Lead plaintiff
- Laurie Chalifour-Racine
- Ruling
- Federal Court of Appeal
- Court decision
- September
- Government decision
- Will not appeal
What people are saying
I feel relieved, I feel very proud
This is big.
absolutely unfair
The Government of Canada will work on solutions in [the] coming year to enhance the EI system to better reflect the needs of a modern workforce, including working parents, with flexible, reliable support