The number of people collecting employment insurance in Prince George and area rose in the month of July, according to data released by Statistics Canada Thursday.
In July, 1,780 were collecting benefits, up from 1,710 in June.
July's figure was the highest for the previous 12 months and up nearly 19 per cent from the 1,500 people collecting employment insurance in July 2014.
The fewest number of people collecting employment insurance during that period was 1,380 in November.
Province wide, nearly four per cent more people received EI benefits in July, compared to the two per cent increase nationally.
