Statistics Canada Reports 17,000 More Canadians Receiving Employment Insurance in April 2025

The number of Canadians receiving regular Employment Insurance (EI) benefits rose by 17,000 to 520,000 in April 2025, according to Statistics Canada. This is a 3.4% increase from March and a 12.7% increase compared to April 2024.

The data show more people were receiving regular EI benefits across all major demographic groups in April, according to Statistics Canada. Increases were recorded for core-aged individuals (ages 25 to 54), with men up by 6,500 (3.3%) and women up by 6,100 (5.0%), as well as for people aged 55 and older, and for young people aged 15 to 24.

Among the provinces, Quebec, British Columbia, and Ontario recorded the largest proportional increases in April, accounting for nearly 93% of the monthly national increase. Quebec saw a 5.5% increase (6,100 people), British Columbia rose by 5.2% (2,600 people), and Ontario increased by 4.3% (7,200 people). Specific areas noted include Montreal, which matched Quebec's provincial growth rate, and Vancouver, which experienced a 6.6% increase. In Ontario, Statistics Canada reported that the Windsor area saw the number of regular EI recipients nearly double to 10,600, a rise attributed to tariffs on exports of motor vehicles and parts. Toronto recorded an increase of 1,300 recipients (1.9%).

Smaller proportional increases occurred in Nova Scotia (2.4%, or 500 people), Alberta (2.2%, or 1,300), and Manitoba (1.4%, or 200), as reported by Statistics Canada. Year over year, Ontario's number of regular EI recipients grew by 19.0% (28,000), Alberta by 15.8% (8,100), British Columbia by 13.9% (6,500), and Quebec by 11.6% (12,000).

Looking at occupations, the largest monthly increase was among those who last worked in business, finance, and administration occupations, which rose by 5,300 (8.5%). Additional increases were recorded among those previously employed in trades, transport and equipment operations (up 3,400; 2.0%), manufacturing and utilities (up 3,100; 8.1%), and sales and service occupations (up 2,800; 3.4%). Compared to April 2024, the number of regular EI recipients was up across all major occupational groups, with the largest increases seen in trades, transport and equipment operators (up 20,000; 12.7%) and in business, finance, and administration (up 10,600; 18.7%).

Statistics Canada compiles EI data from Service Canada and Employment and Social Development Canada. The reported figures for April cover those who received benefits during the week of April 13 to 19 and are seasonally adjusted. The agency states that changes to the EI Act or to program administration may affect these statistics.

Data on EI for May will be released by Statistics Canada on July 24.