Question Period Note: Recent media reports on computer hacking at EI

Recently, some Canadians have reported that computer hacking and/or identity theft have negatively affected their Employment Insurance benefits.

• Service Canada takes the integrity of its programs very seriously.
• Measures are in place to support clients impacted by computer hacking or identity theft on a priority basis.

• The vast majority of EI claims are paid properly. However, some claimants may experience delays or interruptions in their benefits if they were the victims of fraud.

• We leverage our analytics and intelligence capabilities to disrupt, detect and prevent fraud. 

• The Department has long-established ties with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and law enforcement agencies to help address these issues.

We know that fraudsters sometimes use information following an identity theft to file fraudulent claims under our benefit programs. We use data analytics and intelligence tools to counter this type of fraud. Measures are also in place to support clients on a priority basis when their benefits have been affected.

Claimants must contact Service Canada and provide additional information to continue to receive their benefits. We work closely with claimants to resolve these issues as quickly as possible.

To protect the integrity of our processes, we are unable to disclose additional information at this time.

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