What requirement does the Employment Insurance Act place on employers?

The Employment Insurance Act mandates that employers contribute to Employment Insurance (EI) benefits on behalf of their employees. This is part of a social safety net that provides temporary financial assistance to workers who are unemployed or unable to work due to certain circumstances, such as illness, pregnancy, or the need to care for a newborn or newly adopted child.

Employers are required to make contributions that are typically a percentage of the employee's insurable earnings. These contributions help fund the EI program, ensuring that employees can receive benefits when they meet the eligibility criteria. This requirement demonstrates the shared responsibility between employers and the government in supporting workers during times of need.

In contrast, providing health insurance, funding retirement programs, and ensuring a safe workplace, while they may be important employer responsibilities, are governed by different laws and regulations and are not specifically mandated by the Employment Insurance Act. Thus, they do not align with the specific requirements outlined in that legislation.