The number of Canadians receiving regular Employment Insurance (EI) benefits rose by 2.5% in February 2025, reaching 494,130. It marks an increase of 12,000 beneficiaries compared to the previous month. Year-over-year, the figure is up by 5.9%, reflecting a steady rise in EI claims.
The increase comes as Canada’s unemployment rate also rose to 6.6%, up 0.7 percentage points from the previous year, signalling ongoing challenges in the job market.
The rise in EI recipients was most pronounced among core-aged workers, ages 25 to 54. Men in this group saw an increase of 5,600 (+2.9%) recipients, while women saw an increase of 2,800 (+2.4%). The number of EI beneficiaries also grew among those aged 55 and older, as well as youth aged 15 to 24.
Regionally, Quebec saw the largest increase in beneficiaries, with a 5.1% rise, adding 5,300 recipients. This marks a rebound after five months of decline. Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia also reported increases in the number of regular EI recipients.
Increases in EI claims were most notable in the trades, transport, and equipment operator sectors, which saw a 3.9% rise in February. Year-over-year, this sector experienced the largest growth, up 4.7%. Other sectors, including business and finance, also saw increases in claims, reflecting the broader economic pressures affecting different industries.
Recent measures, such as the temporary flexibilities in the Work-Sharing Program, aim to support workers, although they were not yet in effect for the February period. As the number of EI beneficiaries rises, the need for continued government support remains critical, particularly as the unemployment rate continues to climb.
The increase in regular EI recipients highlights the ongoing challenges in Canada’s labour market, with a growing reliance on government assistance as unemployment persists.