OTTAWA - Statistics Canada says the number of people receiving regular employment insurance benefits edged down 0.8 per cent in November to 528,000.
The number of beneficiaries decreased slightly in Nova Scotia, British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec, while the numbers rose slightly in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Newfoundland and Labrador.
The numbers were virtually unchanged in Manitoba, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.
To receive EI benefits, individuals must first submit a claim and the number of claims provides an indication of the number of people who could become beneficiaries.
Nationally, the number of initial and renewal claims fell by 1.9 per cent to 226,700 in November.
The number of claims fell in eight provinces, but rose in Manitoba and Quebec.
