April 23, 2015EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE FEBRUARY 2015 In February 2015, the number (seasonally adjusted) of Nova Scotians receiving regular Employment Insurance (EI) benefits increased by 580 persons (2.2%) from the previous month to 27,190 and increased by 160 persons (0.6%) over February 2014.
In February 2015, the number (seasonally adjusted) of Canadians receiving regular EI benefits increased by 9,940 persons (2.0%) from the previous month to 509,780 and declined by 3,470 (-0.7%) over February 2014.
The majority (64.3%) of regular EI recipients in Nova Scotia were in the 25 to 54 age group, 26.0% were in the 55 years and over age group, and 9.7% were in the 15 to 24 age group.
On a year-over-year basis. the number of beneficiaries in the 15 to 24 age group increased by 70 persons; the 25-54 age group decreased by 170 persons, and the 55 and over group increased by 270 individuals.
In February 2015, the number of Nova Scotians receiving regular EI benefits increased in 15 counties (Guysborough, Lunenburg and Queens all saw declines) compared to the same month a year ago. The largest decline in the number of EI recipients was recorded in Lunenburg (-70 persons).
In the two most populous counties, Halifax saw a month to month increase of 350 persons (6.2%) to 5,970 in February, and Cape Breton County saw a month to month increase of 170 persons (2.5%) to 6,890. On a year over year basis, Halifax saw an increase of 80 persons (+1.4%) and Cape Breton saw an increase of 560 (+8.8%) compared to February 2014.
Across the country, only three provinces saw year to date increases in EI beneficiaries (Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Quebec). Canada saw a 1.4 per cent decline in year to date figures.
Statistics Canada CANSIM (free) 276-0022, 276-0035 (County level), and 276-0018.