The number of regular Employment Insurance beneficiaries in Alberta saw a sharp rise in November, according to Statistics Canada.
The federal agency reported Thursday that the increase was 2.2 per cent to 49,100 – a hike of 1,040 from the previous month.
“Increases were recorded across the province, notably in the CMA (census metropolitan area) of Calgary (+1.5 per cent),” said StatsCan.
In Calgary, there were 220 more people receiving regular EI than in October and 30 more from a year ago. The Edmonton CMA saw a monthly hike of 220 people as well but it was down 1,210 from last year.
“On a year-over-year basis, the number of EI recipients in the province was little changed, however there were notably more beneficiaries who last worked in manufacturing and utilities, and in natural resources, agriculture and related production occupations,” said StatsCan.
Alberta had 270 more people taking EI in November compared with November 2018.
Nationally, the federal agency said close to 451,000 people received regular EI benefits in November which was up by 610 people from October and increased by 5,040 people from a year ago.
“In general, variations in the number of beneficiaries can reflect changes in the circumstances of different groups, including those becoming beneficiaries, those going back to work, those exhausting their regular benefits, and those no longer receiving benefits for other reasons,” said Statistics Canada.
“In November, there were 244,800 EI claims, up 1.6 per cent from October. The number of claims provides an indication of the number of people who could become beneficiaries. Claims data pertain to initial and renewal claims received for any type of EI benefits, which includes special benefits.
Compared with October 2019, the number of claims increased notably in six provinces, particularly in Nova Scotia (+6.8 per cent), Newfoundland and Labrador (+5.0 per cent) and Saskatchewan (+4.1 per cent). These increases were partially offset by fewer claims in New Brunswick (-3.9 per cent) and British Columbia (-1.3 per cent).
“On a year-over-year basis, the number of claims at the national level was up 3.1 per cent, with increases in Saskatchewan (+11.2 per cent), Alberta (+7.0 per cent) and Ontario (+6.3 per cent). At the same time, declines were reported in Prince Edward Island (-4.1 per cent) and New Brunswick (-3.8 per cent).”
On a year-over-year basis, the number of EI beneficiaries increased in five of the 10 broad occupational groups, led by those who last worked in manufacturing and utilities (+12.5 per cent), natural resources, agriculture and related production (+4.9 per cent) and education, law and social, community and government services (+4.0 per cent). At the same time, fewer recipients were recorded among those whose last job was in art, culture, recreation and sport (-10.6 per cent) and in health occupations (-8.8 per cent), added the federal agency.
Mario Toneguzzi is a business reporter in Calgary.
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