CanadaFederal Government to Extend EI Sickness Benefits From 15 to 26 WeeksSavePrintEmployment, Workforce Development and Disability inclusion Minister Carla Qualtrough rises during Question Period, in Ottawa on Sept. 29, 2022. Adrian Wyld/The Canadian PressThe Canadian Press11/25/2022|Updated: 11/25/20220:00X 1Employment Minister Carla Qualtrough says the federal government is extending employment insurance sickness benefits to 26 weeks, up from 15 weeks.According to a news release, workers applying for EI will be eligible for the more generous benefits starting Dec. 18.We had a problem loading this article. Please enable javascript or use a different browser. If the issue persists, please visit our help center.Share this articleLeave a commentThe Canadian PressAuthorAuthor’s Selected ArticlesSaskatchewan Premier Moe Shuffles Cabinet, Brings in New Faces, Drops Three MinistersDec 11, 2025Pressure Mounts on Quebec Liberal Leader Pablo Rodriguez to Resign Amid CrisisDec 11, 2025Quebec Government Reaches Agreement in Principle With Family DoctorsDec 11, 2025CRA Aiming to Hire 1,700 Call Centre Staff Ahead of Busy Tax SeasonDec 11, 2025Related Topicsunemployment benefitsCOVID-19Carla QualtroughEI