Employment lawyer on EI after termination for refusing vaccination

Interview Summary

As more employees across the province face potential termination as a result of their vaccination status, questions and concerns surrounding employment insurance (EI) benefits have arisen. A recent announcement by the Employment Minister has given many individuals reason to doubt they will be eligible for EI.

Alex Lucifero, an Ottawa employment lawyer joins CTV News Ottawa with Matt Skube to discuss employment insurance eligibility if an employee refuses to get vaccinated.

Interview Notes

Will former employees be able to receive EI if they have been terminated for refusing vaccination?

Ultimately it will depend on the situation and circumstance to determine whether or not an employee will be able to receive E.I. if they refuse to be vaccinated. The workplace will matter as well as whether or not the government has already implemented mandatory vaccinations for the sector in which the employee is employed at.

Can employers terminate employees for cause due to their vaccination status?

In the vast majority of cases, an employer is not able to terminate an employee for cause despite their vaccination status. There are a few exceptions, such as unionized employees as well as if there is a government mandate in place requiring vaccination.

LEARN MORE
Firing an employee if they refuse to be vaccinated

Will approval or denial of EI affect severance entitlements?

Employment Insurance and severance payments are two separate systems that cannot impact each other.