EI Duration - I got only 14 weeks?!?!?
 

After working for nearly 18 months full time, I was laid off in September. I received EI payments for 14 weeks starrting from September 28 through to January 28th. I was under the impression thatI would receive EI payments for about a year. I replied for an extension beyond 14 weeks but was informed by the EI agent over the phone that I am not eligible for an extension. I was given no explanation why I received benefits for only 14 weeks.

Does anybody know why I might have been turned down and why I cannot be granted an extension? Is there a way to find out the answeres to these questions from HRSDC or Service Canada? Can I appeal to this decision?

HRDC's website has it all:
http://www1.servicecanada.gc.ca/en/e...lar.shtml#long
http://www1.servicecanada.gc.ca/en/e....shtml#payable

Your 14 weeks is based on an unemployment rate of 6% or less.

How is it that you have not been able to find another job in 14 weeks?

"How is it that you have not been able to find another job in 14 weeks?"

To answer this question is difficult, I have the right qualifications and the experience (12 years) as a Communication professional, but I am resorting to applying to online job postings mostly. I am aware that Cold Calling is possibly the only way to get a job here, but that is something I am not very good at and honestly fear it :td:

Is anybody aware of any one day or two day workshops where one can learn cold calling? Or
Are there other ways one can get a job in Canada?

I wouldn't let anyone get you down by implying that there is something wrong b/c you have been job hunting for 14 weeks with no luck. That said, it is really easy to sit at home and rely on the internet for job opportunities; something it seems like you're beginning to realize. I don't know much about your industry, but I can't imagine cold calling would be that much more fruitful. Why not start tapping your network? Make a list of everyone you know in the industry and start asking them if you can have lunch or chat over the phone. It doesn't have to be asking them for a job, just doing some due diligence on the state of the industry, who they've heard is hiring, etc... Best of luck!

Job Fair in MTC Toronto on April 8-9
 

Does anybody know anything about these job fair? What type of jobs are on offer? :confused:

Is it worth spending 300 $ to go to Toronto to attend? (I am in Ottawa).

If you're an office worker, getting an office job via a temp agency is the quickest way to get working in Ottawa. Gov't just scoops them up as fast as they can list them.