The information comes to us from an annual survey by Statistics Canada. Four times a year, that department asks unemployed workers whether they are receiving benefits and, if not, why they are not receiving them.
Nearly 30% of unemployed persons have not contributed to the employment insurance program. These may be people who haven't worked at all over the previous 12 months or self-employed workers. Then, approximately 16% of people have left their jobs without a valid reason or to resume their education. They have contributed to the program but are automatically disqualified because of their behaviour. Lastly, 10% do not qualify because they have not accumulated enough hours.
Consequently, 82% of people who have contributed to employment insurance are eligible.