The number of jobless Canadians receiving employment insurance payments declined 7,300 to 795,900 in November, Statistics Canada said. (Associated Press)

The number of people receiving regular employment insurance benefits declined 7,300 to 795,900 in November, Statistics Canada said Friday.

Quebec and British Columbia recorded the largest decreases, but the number of regular EI beneficiaries declined in seven provinces.

Nationally, the number of regular EI beneficiaries peaked in June at 829,300.

Compared to 12 months earlier, the number of people receiving regular EI benefits was higher in November 2009 in all census metropolitan areas that Statistics Canada tracks, but the pace is now slowing, the agency said.

The number of initial and renewal claims received in November amounted to 270,700, up 1,300, or 0.5 per cent, from the previous month.

Canada's EI program has been a political hot potato this year as job losses mount and government critics complain the system is outdated and in need of overhauling.

In the fall, Ottawa froze how much employers and employees have to contribute to the EI system this year and extended special employment insurance benefits to the self-employed.