Seasonal Employment and EI: A Local Effort to Support Workers
South Algonquin’s economy is shaped by the seasons. Tourism, outdoor recreation, construction, and service jobs tend to rise and fall throughout the year. During busy months, businesses need workers. During slower months, work can become difficult to find.
Workers who are laid off seasonally can qualify for Employment Insurance (EI). However, in South Algonquin and similar areas, EI benefits often run out before seasonal jobs return. Workers may receive benefits through the winter but run out of support around February, even though many tourism and recreation jobs do not resume until late spring.
In some parts of Canada, the federal EI system recognizes this gap. Certain regions are classified as seasonal employment regions, allowing workers to qualify for EI benefits during more months when seasonal work is unavailable. South Algonquin is not among them.
Local resident Chris Fitzpatrick has been working to have South Algonquin recognized within that framework. The task Chris has taken on is a metaphorical Mount Everest to climb, involving advocacy at municipal, provincial and federal levels.
Bringing the Issue Forward
Fitzpatrick approached South Algonquin Council with a request for support. The proposal was straightforward: ask council to send a letter supporting recognition of South Algonquin as a seasonal EI region. Municipal letters of support can help demonstrate that an issue affects an entire community, not just individual workers or businesses.
Municipal Letters of Support
Municipal councils regularly pass resolutions or send letters supporting initiatives brought forward by residents, businesses, community organizations, or neighbouring municipalities. These letters are a common way for communities to advocate to provincial or federal governments. While a municipal letter does not change federal policy on its own, it signals that an issue affects the community and that the local government recognizes the concern.
In South Algonquin, council agendas frequently include resolutions supporting requests from other municipalities or regional organizations. For example, council passed a resolution addressing the possibility that nuclear waste shipments could be diverted through South Algonquin if Highway 17 were closed. That matter moved from initial discussion to a formal resolution in just under one month.
During the same period, council was also considering a request asking the municipality to support recognition of South Algonquin as a seasonal Employment Insurance region. The request was first discussed at the February 4, 2026 Regular Council Meeting, where councillors acknowledged that seasonal work plays an important role in the local economy. However, the request did not immediately move forward to a formal resolution at that time.
Returning to the Council Table
The topic returned to council during the March 4, 2026 Regular Council Meeting.
During the discussion, a councillor referred to the Township’s Community Safety and Well-Being Plan, which includes data showing that unemployment in South Algonquin is significantly higher than the provincial average. The plan reports a local unemployment rate of 23.1%, compared with about 7.9% across Ontario, and identifies seasonal work patterns as a contributing factor. Although not discussed at the table, the 23.1% rate corresponds to the number of people locally who work in the tourism sector.
By connecting Fitzpatrick’s request to an existing township policy document, the discussion highlighted how the issue relates to broader community conditions already recognized by council and within their mandate to support. She highlighted that they have the capacity and authority to provide a letter of support.
Following the discussion, council members agreed that staff would send a letter of support, and that a formal resolution could be brought forward at a future council meeting. We do not yet know which council meeting, but the process has already taken longer than 30 days.
Why This Matters
Seasonal employment is not unique to South Algonquin. Many rural communities across Canada rely on industries that operate only part of the year. When workers cannot bridge the gap between seasons, businesses may struggle to retain trained staff. Workers may be forced to leave the area to find more stable employment. Over time, that can affect the long-term sustainability of small communities. Efforts to recognize seasonal employment patterns in federal programs are one way communities try to adapt to these realities.
Whether South Algonquin ultimately receives seasonal EI recognition will depend on decisions made beyond the municipal level. Observing which requests move quickly through council and which take longer can provide insight into how different issues are prioritized.
