Summary of Issue: Desire To Be Closer To Family Members

Decision 77169 Full Text of Decision 77169

The Commission determined that the claimant had voluntarily left her employment without just cause and imposed an indefinite disqualification under sections 29 and 30 of the Act. The claimant indicated that she decided to leave her employment in Montreal in order to move to Gatineau to be closer to her sister, who was gravely ill. She added that she did not live with her sister but that she lived in the same building. Her sister lived with her spouse. The BOR found that the claimant decided to leave her employment for a personal reason, that is, to be closer to her sister, and that, at the time, she had the alternative of ensuring that she had another permanent employment before leaving the job that she had. The BOR found that the claimant failed to establish just cause for leaving her employment within the neaning of the EIA. There is a consistent line of authority to the effect taht leaving employment for purely personal reasons, such as wanting to be closer to family, does not constutute just cause within the meaning of section 29(c) of the EIA. Consequently, the claimant's appeal is dismissed by the Umpire.

Decision 77027 Full Text of Decision 77027

The claimant voluntarily left his employment without just cause under sections 29 and 30 of the Employment Insurance Act.The Commission determined that the claimant did not have just cause to leave his employment within the meaning of the Act and therefore refused to pay him benefits. The BOR finds as fact that the claimant chose to leave his employment for personal reasons. His wife had been unemployed since April 2010 and moved with their son in early July 2010. The claimant decided that he should accompany his family, therefore, resigned as he couldn’t get a transfer. The appeal by the claimant is dismissed by the Umpire.

Decision 71236 Full Text of Decision 71236

The claimant indicates that, after 10 years with his employer in Raglan, in a remote area, he decided to move back closer to his family. The claimant explains that, following a period of leave when he had been granted only eight days to come home and solve problems including the sale of his house and purchase of another house, he did not return after the eight days. His employer had advised him that he could lose his seniority for not coming back as required. Unhappy about the threat, the claimant submitted his resignation. The claimant reiterates that, after 10 years in a remote area with very difficult working conditions, he was burnt out and his morale was very low. The fact that leaving employment for purely personal reasons, such as the desire to be closer to family members, does not constitute just cause within the meaning of section 29(c) of the Act. The appeal is dismissed.