Self-employed Canadians are now eligible for Employment Insurance (EI) benefits

New EI Benefits: 
June 2010
Self-employed Canadians are now eligible for Employment Insurance (EI) benefits - maternity, parental/adoption, sickness and compassionate care benefits.  As of January 31 of this year, Mompreneurs can opt into the EI program to receive benefits in 2011. If we decide to do so, we will need to start making premium payments this year.

For more information on EI special benefits for the self-employed, including information about registration, visit actionplan.gc.ca or call 1-800-926-9105 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting  
1-800-926-9105 end of the skype highlighting or visit a local Service Canada Centre or call 1-800-206-7218.

You can register online as well.

http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/sc/ei/self_employed_workers.shtml