A Record of Employment (ROE) is one of the main documents Service Canada uses when deciding an Employment Insurance claim.
If you are fired, laid off, quit or experience another interruption of earnings in Alberta, your employer will generally need to issue an ROE.
The Quick Answer: How long does an employer have to issue an ROE in Alberta? For many employees, an electronic ROE must be issued within five calendar days after the end of the pay period in which the interruption of earnings occurs. Different deadlines can apply depending on the payroll cycle or if a paper ROE is used.
On This Page:
- 1. What Is a Record of Employment?
- 2. How Long Does an Employer Have to Issue It?
- 3. How Do You Get Your ROE?
- 4. What Do ROE Codes Mean?
- 5. What if Your ROE Is Late or Wrong?
- 6. ROE, Termination and Severance
What Is a Record of Employment in Alberta?
A Record of Employment is a federal document that summarizes important information about your employment and why your earnings were interrupted.
Service Canada may use it to determine:
- Whether you qualify for EI
- How much you may receive
- How long benefits may be paid
The ROE includes your employment dates, insurable hours and earnings, last day paid and the employer’s reason for issuing it.
When does an employer have to issue an ROE?
An ROE is generally required after an interruption of earnings.
Common examples include:
- Termination or dismissal
- Temporary or permanent layoff
- Resignation
- Illness or injury
- Maternity or parental leave
- Certain unpaid leaves
How Long Does an Employer Have to Issue an ROE in Alberta?
The deadline depends on whether the employer issues the ROE electronically or on paper.
Electronic ROE deadline
For employees paid weekly, every two weeks or twice per month, an electronic ROE must generally be issued within five calendar days after the end of the pay period in which the interruption of earnings occurred.
For monthly or every-four-week payrolls, the employer must generally issue it by the earlier of:
- Five calendar days after the end of the pay period, or
- 15 calendar days after the interruption of earnings begins
Paper ROE deadline
A paper ROE must generally be issued within five calendar days of the interruption of earnings or the date the employer becomes aware of it.
Do you get an ROE if you are fired?
Yes, generally. A termination normally creates an interruption of earnings requiring an ROE.
This applies whether the employer fires you without cause or alleges misconduct.
Do you get an ROE if you quit?
Yes. Resigning normally results in an ROE as well.
Whether you qualify for EI after quitting is a separate question that Service Canada decides based on why you left.
How Do You Get Your Record of Employment in Alberta?
Most employers submit ROEs electronically directly to Service Canada.
You can view and print electronic ROEs through My Service Canada Account.
If the employer files electronically:
- You don’t need to submit the ROE yourself
- The employer doesn’t normally need to give you a paper copy
- You can access the ROE online after it is submitted
If a paper ROE is issued, you will generally receive the original and may need to provide it to Service Canada.
Can you apply for EI without an ROE?
Yes. Apply for EI as soon as you stop working.
Do not wait for the employer to issue the ROE. Service Canada warns that applying more than four weeks after your last day could result in lost benefits.
What Do ROE Codes Mean in Alberta?
Block 16 identifies why your employer says the interruption of earnings occurred.
Common codes include:
- Code A: Shortage of work
- Code D: Illness or injury
- Code E: Quit
- Code M: Dismissal or suspension
- Code P: Parental leave
Does Code M mean you were fired for cause?
No. Code M means your employer initiated a dismissal or suspension.
It can also appear after an ordinary termination without cause. The code itself does not prove misconduct or eliminate your right to EI or severance.
What if Your Employer Doesn’t Give You an ROE?
If you believe the deadline has passed:
- Check My Service Canada Account. The ROE may already have been submitted electronically.
- Ask your employer in writing. Request confirmation that it has been filed.
- Apply for EI anyway. Don’t delay your application.
- Contact Service Canada. It can assist if the ROE remains outstanding.
What if your ROE is wrong?
Ask the employer to correct inaccurate dates, hours, earnings or information about why your employment ended.
Employers can issue an amended ROE when previously submitted information needs to be corrected.
What if the ROE says you quit but you were fired?
Keep your termination letter, emails, messages and other documents showing what actually happened.
Provide Service Canada with your version of events. The employer’s ROE does not automatically settle whether you quit or were dismissed.
Does Your ROE Affect Severance Pay in Alberta?
No. Your ROE does not determine how much severance you are owed.
Alberta employment standards provide minimum termination entitlements. Many non-unionized employees may be entitled to significantly more under common law.
Full severance pay in Alberta may include:
- Salary or wages
- Benefits
- Bonuses
- Commissions
- Other regular compensation
Depending on your age, position, length of service and the availability of similar work, compensation can reach as much as 24 months’ pay.
What if your employer says you were fired for misconduct?
An allegation of misconduct does not automatically eliminate your severance rights.
If your employer uses Code M and claims you were fired for cause, have the termination reviewed before accepting that you are owed nothing.
More Record of Employment resources
For the full federal rules, see our Record of Employment Canada guide.
Work outside Alberta? See:
Speak With an Alberta Employment Lawyer About Your ROE and Termination
Most routine Record of Employment issues can be resolved through your employer or Service Canada.
However, legal advice is important if your ROE says you quit when you did not, your employer alleges misconduct or you were terminated and offered an inadequate severance package.
The Alberta employment lawyers at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP can review your termination letter, ROE, employment contract and severance offer.
We can explain your rights, determine how much compensation you may be owed and communicate with your employer on your behalf to get it—your total compensation could be as much as 24 months’ pay.
The process doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Our team can handle the legal issues while you focus on your next step.