The Canadian Press

Statistics Canada says the number of people receiving regular Employment Insurance benefits in October edged down 0.5% to 809,600.

That was still 61.8%, or 309,300 more than drew benefits in October 2008.

Over the year, the number of people drawing benefits rose in every province and territory.

The largest increases were in Ontario, with 122,200 more recipients, Alberta, up 56,400, British Columbia, up 52,500 and Quebec, up 49,200.

The number of regular EI beneficiaries peaked in June at 829,300 and began to decline.

This contrasts with the trend from October 2008 to June 2009, when monthly increases averaged 41,100 people.

IE