I live in BC which had a lot of workers in Alberta.  All of them are actually on Alberta EI, and all of them run out in May ( max).  Speaking to them, the majority of their co-workers from Alberta also run out in May.

BC  runs through resource cycles since I can remember; the 60's.  It doesn't matter what the resource actually is; fishing, logging, mining or oil, always the same pattern.

Everyone doesn't look for work until EI runs out.  It runs out and there is suddenly thousands of people looking for work at the same time.  Savings are cashed in, toys are sold and people hang on for a recovery that doesn't come.  People can't make their mortgages. so many houses go on the market and the price drops. ( Hint, if you see this happening to you, lead the market down, don't follow the market down).  People can't sell, and those that can buy, refuse to, waiting for the market to bottom out.  It takes 10 years before the recovery starts.

Always the same.