OTTAWA -
There were 816,600 Canadians receiving regular Employment Insurance benefits in June, 5.1 per cent - or 39,500 - more than in May.
Statistics Canada says the largest percentage increases came in Alberta, British Columbia and Newfoundland and Labrador.
The agency says the number of beneficiaries increased 18.8 per cent in the second quarter, down from the 25.2 per cent growth rate of the first quarter.
The number of people receiving EI benefits has risen sharply since the labour market began to deteriorate last fall - 63.2 per cent, in fact, or 316,300.
Initial and renewal claims fell by 7.9 per cent in June, or 26,100, with declines in all provinces and territories except Ontario, where there was a slight increase.
