What is a Record of Employment (ROE) in Canada?

A Record of Employment (ROE) is a mandatory document under the Employment Insurance Act. Every employer covered by the EI scheme must issue an ROE when an employee has an 'interruption of earnings' — they stop working and their earnings fall below their normal weekly earnings for 7 consecutive calendar days, or they leave their job, are laid off, or are dismissed.

The ROE must be issued within 5 business days of the last day of work (if paper) or the end of the pay period that includes the last day of work (if electronic). The ROE records: employer and employee details, the reason for the interruption (including a reason code: Code A for shortage of work, Code D for illness, Code M for dismissal, Code E for resignation, etc.), insurable hours, and insurable earnings in the last 52 weeks.

Service Canada uses the ROE to determine EI eligibility and benefit amounts. If your employer fails to issue an ROE, you can still apply for EI and Service Canada will contact the employer. Delays or errors in the ROE can delay your EI benefits — contact your employer immediately if you have not received it within the required timeframe.