If I apply to EI program, do I still get the benefits as salaried employees?

Yep, when you apply for the El program you will get the same special benefits, typically:

Aha, so what am I required to do?

You are required to:

a) Be opted into the program (at least one year prior to claiming benefits).

b) Be responsible for making premium payments starting with the tax year in which you apply to the program.

(N.B. : For the program starting January 2010, you can make your claim as early as January 1, 2011)

c) Have earned a minimum of $6,000 in self-employed earnings over the preceding calendar year.

d) Pay the same EI premium rate as salaried employees. Nevertheless, you would not be required to pay the employer portion of premiums, yet you would not have access to EI regular benefits.

Can I withdraw from the program anytime I wish?

Actually no, you can withdraw from the program only if you never claimed benefits, otherwise you must stay in the program until you stop being self-employed.

P.S.: This summary was brought to you from the newsletter put out by the SF Group accounting firm in Toronto.