Job seekers wait in line to speak with a representative of Toronto Pathways during the 19th edition of the National Job Fair and Training Expo at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre on Tuesday, September 27, 2011.
The number of people receiving regular Employment Insurance benefits fell by 15,400, or 2.7 per cent, to 549,300 in September.
Statistics Canada reports the number of beneficiaries has been on a year-long downward trend.
The agency says the number of beneficiaries fell in most provinces, with the largest percentage declines in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario.
The number of initial and renewal claims fell by 27,100, or 10.5 per cent, to 230,700 in September.
Claims fell in every province, with the largest percentage declines in Quebec (down 19 per cent), Saskatchewan (down 9.8), Manitoba (down 7.5) and Ontario (down 7.3).
Most provinces posted a decrease in the number of beneficiaries, with the largest percentage declines occurring in Alberta (down 7.3 per cent), Saskatchewan (down 4.9), Manitoba (down 3.6) and Ontario (down 3.6).
The number of beneficiaries increased in Newfoundland and Labrador (up three per cent) in September, and edged up in Prince Edward Island (1.2).