Employment Insurance rates for 2026

Summary#

The Canada Employment Insurance Commission says the Employment Insurance premium rate for 2026 will be $1.63 per $100 of insurable earnings. Residents of Quebec who are covered by the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan get a reduction of $0.33, so their premium rate will be $1.30 per $100.

What it does#

• Sets the national Employment Insurance premium rate at $1.63 per $100 of insurable earnings for 2026.
• Applies a premium reduction of $0.33 for people in Quebec covered by the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan, making the Quebec rate $1.30 per $100.
• Provides the official figures employers and payroll systems will use for deductions and remittances for the stated year.

Who's affected#

• People who earn wages that are considered "insurable earnings" and have EI premiums deducted from their pay.
• Employers and payroll administrators who calculate and remit EI premiums.
• Residents of Quebec covered by the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan, who will pay the lower $1.30 per $100 rate.
• Payroll software vendors, accountants, and benefits administrators who must update rates for 2026.

Why it matters#

• It changes how much is taken from paycheques and how much employers must remit for 2026.
• The Quebec reduction means Quebec workers (and their employers) will pay $0.33 less per $100 of insurable earnings than the national rate.
• Payroll systems and employers need to update withholding settings so deductions are correct when the new rate takes effect.