Albertans pay more into Employment Insurance than they get back.
Stated by: Commonly stated by Alberta independence advocates
Summary
On the record, this holds. Alberta workers and employers consistently pay more in EI premiums than the province draws in benefits, because Alberta has high employment and relatively low EI use. Fraser Institute analysis puts the cumulative net contribution at about $23.9 billion from 1981 to 2023, and the federal EI monitoring report shows Alberta's benefit-to-contribution ratio below the national average. Alberta is among the largest net contributors, though Ontario's net contribution is larger.
Evidence
Fraser Institute analysis found Alberta workers contributed about $23.9 billion more to EI than Albertans received in benefits from 1981 to 2023, second only to Ontario's net contribution.
Fraser Institute (via EnergyNow commentary) (opens in a new tab)
The federal EI Monitoring and Assessment Report shows Alberta's benefit-to-contribution ratio sits below the national average, meaning claimants there receive less in benefits relative to contributions.
Employment and Social Development Canada (EI report 2025) (opens in a new tab)