At present, even the premium rate set a decade ago under the compressed system is generating surpluses. As of March 31, 2007, the accumulated surplus in the account totalled $3 billion. These surplus amounts are accounted for in the eleventh Employment Insurance Monitoring and Assessment Report which we have just received. The current premium rate of $1.93 is much lower that it was fifteen years ago. The accumulated surpluses in the account could be used to improve the EI system and ease eligibility requirements. Other countries are facing a similar reality.
Still according to the Employment Insurance Monitoring and Assessment Report, the current benefit-contribution ratio is 46.1%