One thing I could add is that the spending on the EI program is independent of the balance in the account. It's a statutory program, so benefits are paid on the basis of entitlement. If people qualify, they are able to get an entitlement, and benefits are paid on that basis. The government guarantees that everybody will get their benefits irrespective of the balance in the account. The account is a notional account for purposes of informing the rate-setting process. With the new rate-setting process that came into place in 2009-10, the new account was put in place to start things anew. But the balance in the account does not have an effect on benefits paid, because it's a statutory program.
On November 18th, 2013. See this statement in context.