The waiting period is a feature of the employment insurance system. It is similar in nature to the deductible in a private insurance contract. Its objective is two-fold. First, it eliminates claims for very brief period of unemployment which Parliament thinks workers should be able to assume by themselves. Second, it allows for effective verification of a claim for benefits to determine whether a person is really unemployed or has just been laid off for a few days.
Canada (A.G.) v. Prins, 2007 FCA 134 A-314-06
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