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Voluntary Leaving

Overview

This page gives a neutral, high-level overview of how EI materials frame voluntary leaving from employment.

It does not provide legal advice or case-specific guidance.

Why EI cares about this issue

Public EI rules assess why a person left work and whether statutory conditions are met.

At a high level, official decision-makers may examine:

  • The surrounding circumstances at the time of leaving
  • Whether alternatives were considered
  • How available evidence aligns with legal tests in public sources

High-level decision flow

Employment ended by worker choice
        ↓
Decision-maker identifies applicable legal test
        ↓
Facts and documents are reviewed
        ↓
Rule is applied to recorded facts
        ↓
Initial decision and notice

Educational scope

This flow is a simplified orientation tool. Real decisions are made by official bodies using full records and applicable law.

Common evidence categories (illustrative only)

  • Statements from the claimant and employer
  • Employment records
  • Timeline of events
  • Other documents submitted during the process
Future expansion notes - TODO: Add a visual flowchart for this topic. - TODO: Add neutral cartoon illustration concept (e.g., timeline graphic). - TODO: Insert exact links to official statutory text and EI Digest chapter.
  • Placeholder: Employment Insurance Act provisions on voluntary leaving
  • Placeholder: EI Digest chapter section on voluntary leaving
  • Placeholder: Social Security Tribunal public decisions search

Glossary terms

  • Voluntary leaving
  • Just cause
  • Burden of proof