Number of EI beneficiaries relatively unchanged in July: Statistics Canada

OTTAWA – Statistics Canada says the number of people receiving regular employment insurance benefits in July was relatively unchanged at 499,300.

The total was down slightly from 503,100 in June.

There were decreases in nine provinces — notably British Columbia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Quebec and Saskatchewan — which the agency says were offset by an increase in Ontario.

Statistics Canada says the number of beneficiaries among men between the ages of 15 and 54 fell for the third month in a row, while the were more beneficiaries among women aged 15 to 24 and 55 and over.

The government agency says the change in the number of regular EI beneficiaries reflects various situations, including people becoming beneficiaries, people going back to work and people no longer receiving regular benefits.

Statistics Canada says compared with July 2013, the number of beneficiaries decreased 2.9 per cent, or 14,900.