Community Unemployed Help Centre (CUHC) is a non-profit organization primarily dedicated to providing information, advice and representation to unemployed workers in Manitoba experiencing Employment Insurance problems. We also engage in broader social policy issues related to unemployment.

The information on this website is intended for general education purposes only and should not be applied to any individual's specific case. As such, Community Unemployed Help Centre is unable to assume responsibility for any actions taken in response to the provided information. For assistance with your particular situation please contact the CUHC directly.

Important Announcement

Community Unemployed Help Centre will now be providing assistance to Manitobans with Employment and Income Assistance (EIA) problems. Further Information to follow.

Employment Insurance or Unemployment Insurance

In 1997, the Government of Canada changed the name of the program from Unemployment Insurance to Employment Insurance. We use the two terms interchangeably, although we prefer the old name as, in our view, it better reflects the program’s purpose of providing income support during periods of unemployment.

The Latest

AIR CANADA AVEOS IMPORTANT MESSAGE

Effective April 1, 2013, the current Board of Referees and office of the Umpire will be abolished, to be replaced by a new Social Security Tribunal (SST).  The first step in contesting a Employment Insurance decision will now be a 'Request for Reconsideration'. 
* Any appeal that is filed before April 1, 2013, will be heard by the Board of Referees/Umpire. 

Statistics Canada releases the results of its 'Labour Force Survey' on the first Friday of every month. This survey provides monthly statistics of employment and unemployment in Canada, including the current unemployment rate.  

Each year the Canada Employment and Insurance Commission is required under the EI Act to monitor and assess the impact of the legislation and program delivery. Once completed, the Minister of Human Resources and Social Development tables the Monitoring and Assessment report in Parliament.

Melissa Shurvell, Advocate at the Community Unemployed Help Centre, assisted a Rural Manitoba Grandmother with her Employment Insurance appeal to an Umpire. (the second level of appeal) The claimant's appeal for Parental Benefits was successful. Now EI has decided to appeal that decision to the Federal Court. Manitoba Woman Planning to Adopt Her Grandson is Denied EI Benefits Despite Rule Change. The Federal Court has referred the case back to the Umpire for redetermination (new hearing).     

     EDUCATION

Introduction to Community Advocacy and Urban Poverty Policy will be offered at University of Winnipeg this 2012/2013 through the 'Urban and Inner-City Studies Program'.

    CONFERENCE

Community Unemployed Help Centre together with the Public Interest Law Centre of Legal Aid Manitoba, Community Financial Counselling Services, Social Planning Council of Winnipeg, and New Directions, held the Community Advocates Conference on October 30, 2012 at the Union Centre in Winnipeg. Thank you to the Conference Planning Committee, Amy McGowan - Conference Coordinator, our fantastic group of Presenters and all who attended, for making it a hugh success!

CUPE Manitoba Convention