December 2020

How to Apply for EI in Canada | A Guide For Employees

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May 14, 2025

It's a tricky time in the world with Covid 19, and many Canadians have had their CERB run out, or are simply not eligible.

If you are trying to figure out how to apply for EI, here is a quick guide.

Please note: this guide is for NEW EI applications. You may also experience a slow loading time with the website as thousands of others (Due to COVID-19) are trying to process their claim as well. Do not refresh the page at any point in time as you may have to restart your application.

Here is how to apply for EI, you will need:

  • Your Social Insurance Number (SIN)
  • Your mother’s maiden name.
  • Your mailing and residential addresses, including the postal codes.
  • Your complete banking information to sign up for direct deposit, including the financial institution name, bank branch number, and account number. If you are set up for direct deposit in Push, you can also find this information in your employee profile under Banking & CRA
  • Names, addresses, dates of employment, and reason for separation for all your employers over the last 52 weeks. This can be found on your ROE.
  • Your detailed version of the facts (if you quit or have been dismissed from any job in the last 52 weeks). This can be found on your ROE.
  • The dates, Sunday to Saturday, and earnings for each of your highest-paid weeks of insurable earnings, in the last 52 weeks or since the start of your last EI claim, whichever is the shorter period. This information will be used, along with your Record(s) of Employment, to calculate your benefit rate. This can be found on your ROE.

The application progress for EI.

Next, you can start the application process to apply for EI. Click here for the link to get started.

Step 1 - Getting started:

  1. Once you have reviewed the eligibility requirements, go to the bottom of the page and click "Ready to Start?"
  2. You will be taken to the Privacy Notice. Review this and once complete, scroll to the bottom of the page, and click "Start Application"
  3. The first question will prompt if you have started an application, select the answer that applies best to you.
  4. Next, you will have to select the type of Employee Insurance Benefits. Here you will claim "Benefits for employees." Click Next to continue.
  5. After, it will ask about a Reference Code. You will not have a reference code, please select "No" and continue.
  6. Next, you will enter the Benefit Type. Select the benefit that applies most to you. (Regular if you are laid off, or Sickness if you are in quarantine, self-isolation, have been in contact with someone infected, etc.)
  7. Next, you will see an overview of what you need to provide during your application, depending on the Benefit Type. This is likely to be a reflection of the items you should have prepared before you start, like your SIN card, direct deposit information, etc.
  8. Once you have reviewed the items you need, you will be taken the Identity Information

Step 2 -Input your personal information:

1. Here, you will need to enter your:

  • SIN
  • Date of Birth
  • Last Name
  • First Name
  • Last Name at Birth
  • Mother's Maiden Name
  • Gender

2. Next, confirm your identity.

3. You will then be given a temporary password. Save this somewhere safe in case you lose your spot in the application. This will allow you to revisit where you last left off.

4. Next, enter your Personal Information.

5. Then, confirm any applicable Programs and Services. Select the answers that apply best to you.

6. Next, confirm your Income Tax Information. Select the answers that apply best to you.

7. Next, fill in your direct deposit information. If you have not applied for EI before, select "No" when asked if you have used Direct Deposit to file a previous claim. For the banking information, select the answer that applies best to you. (If you do not have your banking information on hand, you can also find it in Push if your employer is paying you via direct deposit. You can find this by logging into your Push account via computer or laptop, and scroll down to "Banking & CRA")

8. Next, enter "Other Personal Information." This will ask you to indicate your highest completed level of education and if you are a member of a Union or Professional Association.

Part 3 - Input your employment information:

1. Next, enter your Last Employer's Information. This is where it will be handy to have your ROE open. Your last employer's information can be found on your ROE in box 4 and the information on your first day worked, last day worked and return date will be found in box 10, 11 and 14.

2. Next, enter your Reason for Separation. This can be found in box 16 on your ROE.

3. Next, enter in your rate of pay. If you are a salaried employee, enter your yearly salary.

4. Then, enter your Job Title. Find one that is most applicable to your position.

5. Next, will be the ROE Information - Last Employer section. Here, select the option that is most applicable to you. (If your ROE has been uploaded onto Push, it has already been submitted to Service Canada. For steps on how to access your ROE, Click here. If you are unsure if your ROE has been requested, please confirm with your employer.)

6. Next, is the "Other Employers" section. Select the option that applies best to you.

7. Next, review the information on the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan Benefits. Select the option that applies best to you.

8. Then, review the Worker's Compensation Section. Select "Yes" or "No" if you have received worker's compensation in the last 52 weeks. Select the option that applies to you.

9. Next, review the Pension section. Select "Yes" or "No" if you have received a pension in the last 52 weeks. Select the option that applies best to you.

10. Then, enter your Business Relationship Information. This will prompt you to enter if you are in a family relationship with your employer, if you are a shareholder at the company you worked for and if you are a sole owner or partner at the business you worked at. Select the option that applies best to you.

11. Next, enter your variable best weeks. This information can be found in box 15c on your ROE.

12. Next, enter your Workforce History. Select the options that apply best to you.

13. Then, enter your Self Employment information. Select the options that apply best to you.

14. Next, review the Farming information. Select the options that apply best to you.

15. Next, review the Course or Training Program information. Select the options that apply best to you.

16. Next, review the information in regards to Pregnancy or Giving Birth. Select the options that apply best to you.

17. Next, you will be asked if someone assisted you with your EI application besides a CRA representative. Select the option that applies best to you.

18. Lastly, review the Rights and Responsibilities. Once you have done so, you have successfully completed your EI application!

Here is some additional information, links and resources that you may find helpful:

We hope that this can help you apply for EI in Canada!

How to apply for EI

Disclaimer: This is guide is provided by Push Technologies Inc. (“Push Operations”) for information purposes only. This is not an official or legal document and should not be taken as legal advice. Push Operations does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information provided. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please check with the proper governing authority.

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The food and hospitality industry is entering a transformative era in 2024 — driven by consumer demand for transparency, health, environmental responsibility, and a touch of culinary innovation. Diners are more informed, adventurous, and values-driven than ever before. Whether it’s a craving for Korean-BBQ tacos, gut-friendly mocktails, or carbon-labeled menus, today’s customers are embracing trends that combine personal wellness with global consciousness.

For restaurant owners and foodservice managers, keeping pace with the latest food trends is more than a matter of creativity — it’s a necessity for profitability and long-term success. This guide explores the top food trends for 2024, from plant-based innovations to tech-forward sustainability practices, and how operators can successfully integrate them into their businesses.

Let’s dig into what’s trending, what your customers want, and how your restaurant can stay ahead.

What Are the Top Food Trends for 2024?

Here’s a snapshot of the most impactful food trends shaping menus and operations in 2024:

  • Plant-based innovations – Beyond tofu: think cultivated meats, mushroom mycelium, and chickpea-based seafood substitutes.
  • Climate-conscious menus – Locally sourced, low-waste, and forward-thinking menus aligned with environmental responsibility.
  • Functional wellness foods – Ingredients that support mood, energy, and immunity are being infused into dishes and drinks.
  • Tech-driven dining experiences – AI tools, robotics, and smart systems are elevating back-of-house efficiency and customer-facing dining.
  • Global flavor fusions – Mashups of regional cuisines (like Indian-Mexican or Korean-South American) offer novelty and richness.

Why Do Restaurant Owners Need to Pay Attention to Food Trends?

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  • Consumer demand is shifting: According to the National Restaurant Association’s 2024 Culinary Forecast, over 70% of diners say they actively seek healthier, more sustainable options when dining out.
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  • Increased brand loyalty: Restaurants that align with customer values — health, ethics, innovation — earn trust, repeat visits, and social shares.
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  • Operational agility: Trend-oriented kitchens are quicker to pivot when supply chains shift, diets evolve, or digital preferences change.
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Which Foods Are Trending This Year Across the U.S.?

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Rise of Plant-Based Food Trends

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  • Cultivated meats: Also known as lab-grown meats, these are becoming mainstream. Brands like UPSIDE Foods and GOOD Meat are breaking into U.S. markets with chicken grown from animal cells in controlled environments.
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  • Mycoproteins & legumes: Derived from fungi or pulses, protein-rich alternatives like tempeh, jackfruit, and lupin are being used creatively in tacos, BBQ ribs, and seafood analogs.
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  • Mainstream adoption: Major chains like Burger King and Chipotle continue expanding plant-forward menus, while independents offer bold meatless dishes with flavor-forward sauces, global spices, and satisfying textures.
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Healthy Food Trends for 2024

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  • Gut health focus: Probiotic-rich dishes (kimchi grilled cheese or sourdough naan wraps) and fermented sides are on the rise.
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  • Lower-sugar desserts: Sweet treats are being reimagined with monk fruit, dates, and other low-glycemic ingredients.
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  • Immunity boosters: Menus highlight ingredients like turmeric, ginger, vitamin C, and zinc through smoothies, teas, and power bowls.
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  • Clean-label commitment: Consumers are studying ingredient lists, preferring dishes with wholesome, recognizable components.
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Functional Foods and Beverages

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  • Nootropic-infused drinks: Beverages powered by L-theanine or functional mushrooms cater to focus and calm.
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  • Adaptogenic add-ons: Herbs like ashwagandha, maca, and rhodiola are finding their way into smoothies, lattes, and sauces.
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  • Wellness cocktails: Mixed drinks sans alcohol — but heavy on health — promote detox and energy, flavored with botanicals and natural extracts like spirulina, matcha, and activated charcoal.
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How Are Sustainable Food Trends Shaping the Industry?

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From Menu to Sourcing: The Push Toward Sustainability

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  • Local and seasonal sourcing: Supporting nearby farms reduces emissions, ensures freshness, and appeals to community-minded consumers.
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  • Zero-waste operations: Chefs are using root-to-stem cooking, fermentation for food preservation, and creative uses for scraps in sauces or stocks.
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  • Eco-conscious packaging: Compostable containers, reusable to-go kits, and edible cutlery are disrupting traditional takeout models.
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Tech and Innovation in Sustainable Dining

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  • Carbon labeling: Climate impact scores on menus help customers make informed dining decisions, much like calorie counts.
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  • AI-driven inventory management: Tools optimize ordering patterns, reducing spoilage and overstock-related waste.
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  • Vertical farming & hydroponic setups: Onsite or bordered supply chains shorten the farm-to-table journey.
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What Is the Most Popular Food Trend Right Now?

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While many trends are gaining traction, one standout in 2024 is the rise of global comfort fusion — particularly dishes that marry traditional comfort food with spicy, umami-rich flavors.

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  • Korean-Mexican cuisine: Think birria bulgogi tacos or kimchi queso.
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  • Indian-South American mashups: Curried empanadas or tandoori arepas are headline grabbers.
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  • TikTok’s viral influence: Trends like \“chili crisp eggs\” or \“pickle sushi\” are being adapted on local menus, proving that social virality turns into real-world demand.
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How Social Media Is Driving Food Trend Adoption

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Role of Social Media in Accelerating Food Fads

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  • Influencer credibility: A single post from a viral chef or creator can spark national interest in a dish.
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  • Hashtag virality: Foods labeled #ButterBoard or #WaterTok evolve into week-long waitlists and menu must-haves.
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  • User-generated content: Diners love documenting quirky, beautiful, or “you’ve-never-seen-this-before” dishes to share online.
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Leveraging Food Trends for Restaurant Marketing

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  • Seasonal menus & pop-ups: Limited-time offerings based on trending foods motivate urgency and trial.
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  • Social callouts: Encourage diners to tag, post, or review your trend-forward menu items.
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  • Reels and behind-the-scenes content: Show viewers where your ingredients come from or how a niche global dish is made.
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Global and Fusion Food Trends to Watch

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  • Japanese-Peruvian (Nikkei) flavors: Featuring citrusy ceviches with umami-rich miso and soy glazes.
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  • West African influences: Dishes using jollof rice, egusi stew, or fonio grain paired with plant-based elements.
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  • Filipino-American blends: Adobo-braised brisket sandwiches or ube milkshakes have mainstream momentum.
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Tips for Implementing 2024 Food Trends in Your Restaurant

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  • Test with limited-time offers (LTOs): Introduce a trending ingredient as a weekly special or seasonal dish to measure interest.
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  • Survey your customers: Use email lists or POS systems to gather input on potential additions.
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  • Train your staff: Equip them with the knowledge and enthusiasm to explain functional or sustainable items.
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  • Work with specialized suppliers: Align with local farmers, health-focused vendors, or zero-waste packaging providers for smoother execution.
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Final Thoughts: Stay Ahead of the Curve with 2024’s Food Trends

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Adapting to food trends in 2024 isn’t about chasing every new idea — it’s about identifying the trends that align with your market, values, and culinary identity. Plant-based options, sustainability, global flavors, and wellness-centric dining aren’t just appealing — they’re economically vital.

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Restaurants that act early — leveraging data, culture, and digital ecosystems — will attract today’s health-conscious, eco-aware diner and become tomorrow’s industry leaders.

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Ready to Lead the Industry with Smarter Menu Strategies?

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2024 promises bold innovations in food — and your restaurant can thrive by embracing the right trends. Whether you’re scaling functional drinks, reducing kitchen waste, or jumping on the next viral fusion dish, the right tools can help you act faster and smarter.

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Subscribe to the Push blog for expert insights on restaurant operations, emerging food trends, and next-gen hospitality technology. Stay ahead — serve success.

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Internal Links

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External Sources

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  • National Restaurant Association 2024 Culinary Forecast
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  • Technomic’s 2024 Foodservice Trends Report
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  • Mintel Functional Food Trends Analysis 2024
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