You said earlier that 33% of people were receiving 15 weeks of benefits. They might have needed more, but they used up the number of weeks they were entitled to. Some may not have returned to the labour market. Let's not forget that there are humans behind the statistics.
My reading of the situation is different from yours. You say that other programs are available to those who have used the 26 weeks of benefits. There is talk of increasing special sickness benefits to 50 or 52 weeks, but you have to assume that not everyone will use them and that some people with episodic illnesses, such as multiple sclerosis, or more serious illnesses, need them. These people are paying into EI and hoping to get back to work.