2026 Employment Insurance Premium Rate

Summary#

The Canada Employment Insurance Commission set the annual Employment Insurance premium rate for 2026 at $1.63 per $100 of insurable earnings. For residents of Quebec covered by the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan, a premium reduction of $0.33 applies, making their rate $1.30 per $100. This notice was published October 11, 2025.

What it does#

• Announces the national Employment Insurance premium rate for 2026: $1.63 per $100 of insurable earnings.
• Announces the premium reduction for Quebec residents covered under the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan: $0.33, resulting in a Quebec rate of $1.30 per $100.
• The change is issued under the Employment Insurance Act and related Employment Insurance Regulations.

Who's affected#

• Workers who have insurable earnings and whose pay is subject to Employment Insurance premiums.
• Employers and payroll departments that deduct and remit EI premiums.
• Residents of Quebec who are covered by the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan (they get the reduced rate).

Why it matters#

• It determines how much is taken from paycheques and how much employers must budget for payroll deductions in 2026.
• The rate affects household take-home pay and business payroll costs.
• The total collected at this rate helps fund Employment Insurance benefits and related programs.