The Record of Employment (ROE) is a key document for Canadian employees applying for Employment Insurance (EI) benefits. For small business owners, entrepreneurs, and consultants, understanding how and when to issue an ROE is essential for compliance and employee support.

Filing the ROE accurately and on time ensures employees can access EI benefits without delays and helps employers meet legal obligations. This guide explains the purpose of the ROE, what it includes, and how to issue it correctly.

What are the important things to file in a record of employment in Canada?

A Record of Employment (ROE) in Canada is a document that provides information about an individual’s employment history and earnings. The important things that should be included in a ROE are:

  1. The employee’s personal information (name, address, Social Insurance Number)
  2. The employee’s job title and duties
  3. The start and end dates of the employee’s period of employment
  4. The employee’s gross earnings and insurable hours during the period of employment
  5. The reason for the issuance of the ROE (e.g. layoff, termination, leave of absence)
  6. The employee’s and employer’s signature, if required.

It’s important to note that ROE’s are used to determine an individual’s eligibility for Employment Insurance (EI) benefits and should be filed in a timely manner with Service Canada.

Radial diagram showing components of an employment record: Personal Information, Job Details, Employment Dates, Earnings and Hours, Reason for Issuance, and Signatures

Conclusion

Submitting accurate and timely ROEs not only supports your employees’ access to benefits but also reflects positively on your business’s compliance and professionalism. If you’re uncertain about the ROE process or want to ensure best practices, our team can guide you through streamlined payroll procedures and regulatory requirements. Contact us today to ensure your ROE filings are complete, correct, and on time.