Wang Jinxiu, a client with the Seniors and Social Service department at University Settlement, started working at the Scarborough Seafood Market in October of 2021. On her way back from work on a cold evening in January 2022, she slipped and fell. She continued with her day and didn’t realize the pain as much. However, when she woke up the next day, her left hand was considerably swollen and painful. She was referred to the orthopedic specialist by her family doctor and was told she had a fractured hand. When she got home from the hospital, she told her employer about her situation.

Three days later, she got a call back from her employer, that she was fired and should come and collect her documents and unpaid wages. She was devastated to hear the news as she was the sole breadwinner and didn’t know how she would pay for food and rent. She also had to care for her husband living with Alzheimer’s.

Jimmy Lam, our Settlement Counsellor explained to her, that she can be eligible for Employment Insurance (EI) and that, he would provide her with the support needed in filling in the application. However, when Jimmy saw the Record of Employment (ROE) Wang’s employer had listed that she had resigned. On requesting again, the ROE said that she was dismissed.

Our Settlement Counsellor explained that for the EI, the ROE should state the correct reason based on facts. So after much altercations with her employer, Mrs. Wang got the correct ROE and was able to get the EI sickness benefit.

“Mr. Lam helped me fight for my EI benefit step by step according to Canada’s EI regulations. He treated my case as his own case and connected with relevant government departments. I can’t explain my excitement, tears, and gratitude. In addition, Mr. Lam also helps us file tax returns every year and fill out the annual income report for the subsidized housing unit for the elderly that I rent. He also helps us with reading all the letters and documents that come from the government. Just saying a thank you cannot fully express my gratitude.”

– Wang Jinxiu