The number of Canadians receiving regular Employment Insurance (EI) benefits increased by 6,600 (+1.2%) to 552,000 in July, continuing the upward trend that began at the start of 2025. From December 2024 to July 2025, the number of beneficiaries increased by 64,000 (+13.2%), according to a report released by Statistics Canada on Thursday.
In July, the number of EI recipients receiving regular benefits increased among core-aged (25 to 54 years old) women (+16,000; +12.0%). On the other hand, there were declines recorded among core-aged men (-5,200; -2.4%), women aged 55 and older (-3,800; -6.3%) and young men aged 15 to 24 (-900; -2.6%), explained the federal agency.
Compared with July 2024, the number of recipients receiving regular EI benefits increased among all major demographic groups in July 2025, with the largest proportional increases among core-aged women (+22.9%; +28,000), women aged 55 and older (+14.1%; +7,000) and core-aged men (+10.0%; +19,000), it said.
“In July, the number of beneficiaries receiving regular EI benefits increased the most among recipients who were last employed in education, law, and social, community and government services (+15,000; +27.6%). This was partially offset by a decline in the number of beneficiaries who last worked in trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (-6,300; -3.6%),” said Statistics Canada.
“Compared with July 2024, the number of regular EI recipients was up across several major occupational groups in July 2025. Increases were most pronounced for beneficiaries who were last employed in education, law, and social, community and government services (+17,000; +30.8%). Notable increases were also recorded on a year-over-year basis among those who last worked in business, finance and administration (+16,000; +26.4%), as well as among those who last worked in sales and service occupations (+12,000; +15.3%).”
Mario Toneguzzi
Mario Toneguzzi is Managing Editor of Canada’s Entrepreneur. He has more than 40 years of experience as a daily newspaper writer, columnist, and editor. He was named in 2021 and 2024 as one of the top business journalists in the world by PR News. He was also named by RETHINK to its global list of Top Retail Experts 2024 and 2025.
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