In 2008/09, Service Canada continued to make progress in the modernization and integration of service delivery of the EI program to claimants, employers and stakeholders. Many of these developments were valuable in helping Service Canada sustain service standards in a year made notable by the extraordinary challenges faced and met in the delivery of the EI program. The economic downturn resulted in massive increases in EI claim volumes. In spite of the exponential increase in the number of claims, Service Canada was able to maintain service standards while exceeding the target for payment accuracy.