More Islanders on EI in 2016

As the end of 2016 approaches, it appears more Prince Edward Islanders are having to rely on employment insurance this year than last.

The number of P.E.I. EI recipients, seasonally adjusted, was up in September to 7,690, the second month in a row of increases. The number of recipients saw a dramatic spike in June, when it rose to 8,350.

Apart from that spike, the number of EI recipients has been relatively stable in 2016, after rising steadily through the last half of 2015.

On average, there are more Islanders on EI this year.

• Monthly average, 2015: 7,391
• Monthly average, Jan.-Sept, 2016: 7686

The numbers are up for both men and women, and across all major age categories.

• MORE P.E.I. NEWS |Opposition motion for PR on P.E.I. in 2019 defeated
• MORE P.E.I. NEWS |'A rare opportunity' for basic income pilot project on P.E.I.