When you work a small percentage of your income is deducted towards Employment insurance.
Employment Insurance provides temporary financial assistance for unemployed Canadians while they look for work or upgrade their skills.
Canadians who are sick, pregnant or caring for a newborn or adopted child, as well as those who must care for a family member who is seriously ill with a significant risk of death, may also be assisted by Employment Insurance
You can apply for EI online at http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca
You must serve a 2-week unpaid waiting period before your EI benefits begin to be paid.
Most people will need 910 insurable hours of work, if you are in the work force for the first time;
Regular benefits can be paid from 19 to a maximum of 50 weeks
Next post we'll explain Record of Employment
My goal here is to make you feel in Canada, while preparing for your immigration, even when you are still abroad.