New legislation extending the number of weeks available for workers through Employment Insurance has reached royal assent.

Under Bill C-24, workers claiming EI regular benefits are capped at 50 weeks for claims that were established between September 27 of last year and September 25 of this year.

New regulations under Bill C-24 also increase the number of weeks available under the Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB), the Caregiving Benefit (CRCB), and Sickness Benefit (CRSB).

The legislation prevents international travelers—including those on vacation—from receiving recovery benefits during their mandatory quarantine or isolation time upon return.

That does not impact those exempt from mandatory quarantine, such as health care workers or truck drivers, who must travel for work.