Digest of Benefit Entitlement Principles Chapter 9 - Section 4

9.4.0 Good cause

Where there has been a refusal of suitable employment, the Commission must consider whether the claimant had good cause for refusing it. Even if the prospective employment was suitable, a disqualification is not applicable if the claimant had good cause for refusing it (CUB 58771).

Good cause is not defined in the legislation. According to dictionary meanings, good cause can be considered as a "reason, motive or ground that may be held to justify something” that is "valid, sound, thorough, or considerable".

Acting in good faith does not necessarily constitute good cause. Good cause can be said to exist where the claimant acted in a prudent and reasonable manner, as any person who is desirous of finding work would have done, under similar circumstances (CUB 40393, CUB 51249).

9.4.1 Credibility

In order to prove good cause, the claimant may be required to provide documentary evidence, especially where the refusal of the employment is by reason of health or physical capability, illness in the family, loss of union rights or a promise of employment with another employer (Digest 9.3.1.1, 9.3.1.2, 9.5.5, 9.5.9).

Where documentary evidence is not requested, the question becomes one of credibility (CUB 76010). Any plausible and uncontradicted statement should be accepted at face value. A statement may be challenged when it appears unfounded or when it is submitted after the fact (Digest 10.3.0).

[September 2019]