Summary of Issue: Insurance Agents

Decision A-0282.98 Full Text of Decision A-0282.98

Claimant was considered to be self-employed as a life insurance broker. He devoted 30 to 35 hours a week hoping to make that employment his principal means of livelihood. He did not conduct any suitable searches for employment. Finally, he did not consider himself as working as he was not receiving a salary. The BOR maintained the Commission's decision that the claimant was not unemployed and was further upheld by the Umpire. FCA refused to intervene on what they considered was purely an issue of credibility.

Decision 32717 Full Text of Decision 32717

A job, be it with or without pay, is a job; it may prevent a person from being available to seriously look for work. The contract seems to bind the beneficiary in a fashion that does not prevent him from fulfilling his obligations from devoting all his time to the job. The Board cannot set evidence aside without valid reasons: FCA Lépine A-78-89.

Decision 18324 Full Text of Decision 18324

Started work as a life insurance underwriter on 22-12-86 and earned $90 in commission up to 19-2-87. Was paid neither a base salary nor bonus. He worked on a full-time basis and would not have been permitted to hold any other employment.

Decision A-0377.87 Full Text of Decision A-0377.87

Since claimant became unemployed on cancellation of contract with Sun Life on 22-7-85, his unemployment only ended on coming into effect of new contract with Fidelity on 30-10-85. Reissuance of the licence on 27-8-85 of which he was made aware of only 30-10-85 cannot alter this.

Decision 14449 Full Text of Decision 14449

Looking for work is a full-time job and claimant clearly did not have the "full time" required. I concede claimant received no remuneration but he devoted himself full-time to training to be an agent. UI not to provide a subsidy while on training.

Decision 13688 Full Text of Decision 13688

Refer to: A-0377.87

Decision 11042 Full Text of Decision 11042

A salesman or agent on 100% commission is deemed to control his working hours in the absence of any contract of service stipulating otherwise. Whether he worked day or night or just evening makes no difference unless employment so minor in extent.