For the period of April 12 to May 9, 2026, the Regional Unemployment rates for Newfoundland and Labrador are:

• 10.3% – Newfoundland and Labrador
• 6.7%- St. John’s Metro Region

The maximum weekly benefit for 2026 is $729 weekly.

The yearly maximum insurable earnings for 2026 is $68,900.

EI divisor	Regional unemployment rate	Total insurable earnings in best weeks needed to hit max weekly EI (2026)
14	13.1% or more	$18,556
15	12.1% to 13.0%	$19,882
16	11.1% to 12.0%	$21,207
17	10.1% to 11.0%	$22,533
18	9.1% to 10.0%	$23,858
19	8.1% to 9.0%	$25,184
20	7.1% to 8.0%	$26,509
21	6.1% to 7.0%	$27,835
22	6.0% or less	$29,160

 

FFAW-Unifor is actively campaigning the federal government to remove the divisor from EI benefit calculations for seasonal workers.

The contrast between divisors in St. John’s and Newfoundland and Labrador Regional Zone creates a two-tier system for workers who have access to the same employment and receive the same pay. All seasonal workers should have access to the same calculation for EI benefits.

FFAW is part of a national alliance for employment insurance reform and continues to lobby the federal government for significant improvements to the EI system. However, emergency measures are needed in 2026 to ensure seasonal workers in Newfoundland and Labrador are protected when their fishing season ends.

FFAW-Unifor has requested an urgent meeting with Minister Hadju to discuss the seriousness of the situation and the need for emergency changes this season.

YOUR VOICE MATTERS: Call or write Minister Patty Hadju and your Newfoundland and Labrador MPs today to let them know how important this is. You can estimate your benefits online here: https://estimateurae-eiestimator.service.canada.ca/enhttps://estimateurae-eiestimator.service.canada.ca/en

IMPORTANT: WE CANNOT ANSWER QUESTIOSN SPECIFIC TO YOUR EI BENEFITS. For additional questions, please call Service Canada at 1-800-206-7218. The best time to call is between 8:30am-9:00am while phone lines are open only to Newfoundland and Labrador.