Record of Employment (ROE) Codes in Canada: What They Mean and How They Affect You

When your job ends or your earnings stop, your employer must issue a Record of Employment (ROE). This key document explains why your employment ended and whether you’re eligible for Employment Insurance (EI) benefits.

The most important part? The ROE Code. Each code tells Service Canada the reason for your job interruption — and can directly impact whether you receive EI or severance pay.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• What ROE codes are and why they matter
• The full list of ROE codes and what they mean
• The difference between termination with cause and without cause
• What to do if the wrong code is used — especially Code M

Table of Contents

What Is a Record of Employment (ROE)?

A Record of Employment (ROE) is a document that employers in Canada must issue when there’s an interruption in an employee’s earnings. Service Canada uses the ROE to determine whether you qualify for Employment Insurance (EI) benefits — and how much you can receive.

Your ROE includes important information, such as:

• How long you worked for the employer
• How much you were paid
• The reason your job ended — shown through a code

Employers are required to issue an ROE every time:

• An employee experiences an interruption of earnings, or
• An employee leaves their job for any reason, including resignation, dismissal, layoff, medical leave, or retirement

📍 Need province-specific information? Read our Ontario ROE, Alberta ROE, and BC ROE guides for when employers must issue an ROE, penalties for delay, and more.

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ROE Code Chart – What Each Code Means

Below is a full list of the most common ROE codes and what they mean:

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ROE Code M – What Dismissal Means on Your Record of Employment

If your employer terminates your employment, they’ll likely use Code M (Dismissal) on your Record of Employment (ROE). But here’s the problem:

That’s why the information your employer writes in Block 18 of the ROE is just as important as the code itself.

Termination For Cause (Code M)

Being terminated “for cause” means your employer believes you did something serious enough to justify firing you without notice or severance — such as theft, fraud, or insubordination.

• In most cases, EI will be denied if you’re fired for cause.
• But employers often misuse Code M, even when the reason wouldn’t legally meet the standard for a “for cause” dismissal.

Termination Without Cause (Also Code M)

Most employees in Canada are actually let go without cause — meaning they didn’t do anything wrong, but were let go due to restructuring, budget cuts, or other business reasons. If you are let go without cause, your employer must give you

• Employers still use Code M in this situation.
• But they must clarify in Block 18 with a phrase like: “Dismissal without cause – restructuring”

If your employer doesn’t add that clarification, it could raise red flags with Service Canada.

Code M00 on ROE

Sometimes, you may see “Code M00” on your ROE. This just means:

That’s a problem. Without details, it could delay or impact your EI claim. You should contact your employer and request a correction.

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Why the ROE Code Affects Your Employment Insurance and Severance Pay

When you lose your job, your Record of Employment (ROE) plays a big role in what happens next — especially if you’re applying for Employment Insurance (EI) or you’re owed severance pay.

The reason your employer lists — through a short code like M (Dismissal) or A (Shortage of Work) — can:

• Make or break your EI claim
• Affect your reputation if another employer reviews your ROE
• Be used against you if you’re trying to get fair severance

If the Wrong Code Is Used

An incorrect or misleading ROE code can cause:

• EI delays or denials (especially with Code M for “cause”)
• Confusion about your legal rights
• Reduced severance offers based on inaccurate assumptions

Many employers accidentally or intentionally list the wrong code — and employees often don’t realize the harm until it’s too late.

If You’ve Been Let Go, Here’s What to Do:

1. Check your ROE for the code and Block 18 notes

2. Ask your employer to correct it if it doesn’t match your situation

3. Speak to an employment lawyer if you’re unsure, especially before:

• Applying for EI
• Accepting a severance offer
• Signing any termination papers

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What to Do If the Wrong ROE Code Was Used

if your ROE doesn’t accurately explain why you left your job, don’t ignore it. The code — and the notes in Block 18 — can directly affect your EI eligibility and your severance pay.

Step 1: Ask Your Employer for a Correction

Start by contacting your former employer:

• Politely explain the mistake
• Ask them to submit a corrected ROE to Service Canada

In some cases, the issue may be an honest error — like forgetting to include “without cause” in Block 18, or using Code M when Code A or Code K would be more appropriate.

Step 2: Speak to an Employment Lawyer If You’re Not Sure

If your employer:

• Refuses to fix the ROE
• Disagrees with your version of events
• Says you were fired “for cause” but you don’t believe that’s accurate…

…it’s time to get legal advice. You could be dealing with a case of wrongful dismissal — and that means you may be owed significant severance, potentially up to 24 months’ pay.

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ROE Code FAQs

What is ROE Code M?

ROE Code M stands for dismissal. It’s used when an employee is terminated from their job. It can mean either:

• Termination without cause (most common), or
• Termination for cause (serious misconduct)

The key difference is usually explained in Block 18 of the ROE.

What is the ROE Code for Termination Without Cause?

The code is still M (Dismissal) — but the employer must write “termination without cause” or a similar phrase in Block 18 of the form. Without that explanation, you may face issues applying for EI.

What Does Code M00 Mean?

Code M00 is a subcategory of Code M. It means your employer used the “dismissal” code but didn’t include any extra explanation in Block 18. This lack of detail can delay or harm your EI claim.

Can I Get EI if My ROE Says “Dismissal”?

Yes — but only if your dismissal was without cause. If your employer claims you were fired for cause, your EI claim may be denied. That’s why the explanation in Block 18 is so important.

What is ROE Code K?

Code K means “Other.” It’s a general-purpose code used when none of the other codes apply. Employers must provide more details in Block 18. If they don’t, you could run into problems with EI.

Why is My ROE Code Important?

Your ROE code is used by Service Canada to determine:

• If you qualify for Employment Insurance
• How long your benefits will last
• Whether your termination affects your entitlement to severance pay

An incorrect code can lead to denied benefits or a much smaller severance offer.

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Speak to an Employment Lawyer if Your ROE Code is Wrong

If you’ve been let go from your job and are unsure whether your ROE code was entered correctly, don’t wait to take action.

At Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, we’ve helped tens of thousands of non-unionized employees across Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia:

• Correct errors on their Record of Employment (ROE)
• Secure fair severance packages — up to 24 months’ pay
• Push back against unfair “for cause” allegations

Call Us Today

Call Canada’s most positively reviewed employment law firm at 1-855-821-5900 or contact us online to book your consultation today.

• 👥 Over 50,000 clients helped nationwide
• 💰 Millions recovered in compensation
• ⚖️ No win, no fee — you don’t pay unless we succeed*
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*(Conditions apply. Not all cases qualify.)