Statistics Canada revealed a concerning 13.1% year-over-year increase in the number of Canadians receiving regular Employment Insurance (EI) benefits for the month of November 2023. The data paints a nuanced picture of the employment landscape, with specific groups and provinces experiencing notable shifts.
The report disclosed that 460,000 Canadians were receiving regular EI benefits in November, representing a month-to-month increase of 1.7%. The surge was particularly noticeable among core-aged men (25 to 54 years old), with a 3.4% increase, accounting for 6,000 additional beneficiaries. Year-over-year, the total number of regular EI beneficiaries grew by 53,000, signifying a concerning 13.1% rise.
Data from the Labour Force Survey emphasized that the unemployment rate in November rose by 0.1 percentage points to 5.8%. Cumulatively, this marks an 0.8 percentage point increase since April 2023. The report highlighted a significant increase in the number of core-aged men (25 to 54) and women aged 55 and older receiving regular EI benefits, with the former experiencing a 21.3% year-over-year surge.
Five provinces reported a rise in the number of regular EI beneficiaries in November. Manitoba led with an 8.3% increase (1,300 beneficiaries), followed by Alberta (3.8%; 1,800), Ontario (3.0%; 4,000), Prince Edward Island (2.8%; 200), and British Columbia (1.0%; 500). Notably, Manitoba and Alberta experienced the most substantial proportional increases, indicating localized challenges in these regions.
Alberta, after two months of stagnation, witnessed a notable 3.8% increase in regular EI beneficiaries in November. The surge was particularly evident among men aged 55 and older and core-aged men. Ontario reported a fourth consecutive monthly increase, with core-aged men contributing significantly. The Toronto Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) saw a 5.4% rise in EI recipients, contrasting with a decline in Windsor.
British Columbia saw a marginal 1.0% increase in regular EI recipients in November, with core-aged men and young men (15 to 24) driving the rise. However, core-aged women experienced a slight decline of 1.8%. The province’s unemployment rate remained stable at 5.3%, up from 4.1% in December 2022.
The increase in beneficiaries, especially among core-aged men, underscores the need for targeted strategies to address unemployment and support affected demographics. As different provinces face distinct circumstances, tailored interventions may be necessary to navigate the complex economic landscape.