The number of Canadians receiving regular Employment Insurance (EI) benefits declined by 11,000 (-1.9%) to 555,000 in January, following little variation in December. The number of beneficiaries had reached a recent high in November 2025, following an upward trend that began in January 2025, reported Statistics Canada.
Data from the Labour Force Survey indicate that the unemployment rate was 6.5% in January 2026. The unemployment rate trended up through most of 2025, reaching a recent high of 7.1% in August and September, said the federal agency.
“In January, the decline in the number of people receiving regular EI benefits was concentrated among core-aged (25 to 54 years old) men (-6,100; -2.8%). Smaller declines were recorded among men aged 55 and older (-1,800; -2.0%) and young men aged 15 to 24 (-1,400; -3.6%). There was little change in the number of beneficiaries among women across age groups,” said Statistics Canada.
“In the 12 months ending in January, the total number of recipients was up by 66,000 (+13.4%), with increases across all major demographic groups. The largest percentage increases were among women aged 55 and older (+8,800; +17.9%), core-aged women (+20,000; +16.6%), and core-aged men (+23,000; +12.0%).
“In January, the number of recipients of regular EI benefits decreased among those who last worked in trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (-12,000; -6.1%), following five consecutive monthly increases. Compared with January 2025, the number of beneficiaries who last worked in these occupations was up by 11,000 (+6.4%).
“Smaller monthly declines were recorded in January 2026 among recipients who were last employed in natural and applied sciences and related occupations (-1,600; -3.5%), and natural resources, agriculture and related production occupations (-500; -1.6%).”
Statistics Canada said the number of recipients increased among those who last worked in occupations in manufacturing and utilities (+1,400; +3.6%) and occupations in education, law and social, community and government services (+1,200; +1.9%).
In the 12 months ending in January, the number of beneficiaries receiving regular EI benefits was up across nearly all major occupational groups. The largest year-over-year increases were among recipients who last worked in sales and service occupations (+12,000; +15.1%), and in business, finance and administration occupations (+12,000; +19.2%), it added.
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, 2025 and 2026.
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