A total of 535,000 Canadians received regular employment insurance benefits in October, up 4,600 from the previous month, according to Statistics Canada.
The number of beneficiaries increased slightly in Alberta, New Brunswick, Ontario, Manitoba and Quebec, while it edged down in British Columbia.
The number of people receiving regular EI benefits in October rose slightly in five provinces.
In Alberta, the number of people receiving benefits was up 1.7 per cent, the third increase in four months.
In New Brunswick, the number increased 1.5 per cent, continuing an upward trend that began last May.
The number of beneficiaries rose 1.4 per cent in Ontario, offsetting a decline of similar magnitude the month before.
Manitoba also experienced a 1.4 per cent increase, continuing an upward trend that began last May.
In Quebec, the number of beneficiaries edged up 1.3 per cent in October, the second increase in three months.
The number of beneficiaries fell 1.4 per cent in British Columbia, following a similar decline in September.
There was virtually no change in the number of beneficiaries for Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and Saskatchewan.
Initial, renewal claims decline
To receive EI benefits, individuals must first submit a claim. The number of claims provides an indication of the number of people who could become beneficiaries.
Nationally, the number of initial and renewal claims was virtually unchanged in October at 231,700.
Claims increased 6.9 per cent in Saskatchewan and 5.7 per cent in Alberta. At the same time, they fell by 2.1 per cent in Quebec. There was little change in the other provinces.
© Copyright Canadian HR Reporter, Thomson Reuters Canada Limited. All rights reserved.