Huge Jump in Ontario EI Claims

Statistics Canada reported today that the number of Canadians filing Employment Insurance (EI) claims rose by 10,350 or 4.5 per cent in March, the largest monthly increase since the start of 2013.

This national increase was driven by a jump of 9,480 or 12.9 per cent in Ontario, the largest monthly increase in the province since February 2009.

Despite the surge in claims, the number of people actually receiving EI benefits edged up by only 1,790 nationally and 720 in Ontario.

These figures provide further evidence of a weak job market and of an inadequate EI system. The federal government should improve the accessibility, level and duration of benefits for workers unemployed through no fault of their own.