Number of EI recipients fell in October: StatsCan

But initial, renewal claims rise by 4.2 per cent

The number of people receiving regular employment insurance (EI) benefits declined slightly in October, according to Statistics Canada.

The number of beneficiaries was down 5,400 — or one per cent — to 541,200 in October, continuing a year-long downward trend.

The number of beneficiaries fell in nine provinces, with the most notable declines occurring in Alberta, Newfoundland and Labrador, Manitoba and Ontario. In New Brunswick, the number receiving benefits rose slightly.

More claims in October

To receive EI benefits, individuals must first submit a claim. The number of claims provides an indication of the number of people who could become beneficiaries.

The number of initial and renewal claims rose by 9,600 or 4.2 per cent to 240,700 in October. Claims increased 7.7 per cent in Ontario, 4.8 per cent in Quebec, 4.7 per cent in Alberta and 4.4 per cent in British Columbia.

The number of claims fell in 1.3 per cent in Nova Scotia, 1.2 per cent in Prince Edward Island and one per cent in Newfoundland and Labrador. The number of claims was virtually unchanged in Saskatchewan, Manitoba and New Brunswick.

Number of beneficiaries down in nine provinces

There were fewer beneficiaries in nine provinces. The most notable declines occurred in Alberta (2.5 per cent), Newfoundland and Labrador (2.2 per cent), Manitoba (2.1 per cent) and Ontario (1.7 per cent).

The declines in Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario extended a downward trend that began two years earlier. In Newfoundland and Labrador, the decrease followed four months of increases.

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