What is often referred to as "unemployment benefits" is in fact EI(employment insurance) benefits. EI is deducted from your pay and if you lose your job through no fault of yours (e.g. lay off, down-sizing, etc), you will be eligible for EI benefits. The amount of you receive is based on the past 52 weeks of work and insurable hours.
People who haven't worked at all within the past 52 weeks are not eligible for EI benefits. Even foreign workers with 'closed' work permits are not eligible for it eventhough they pay into the fund(the reason being, you have to be 'available' for work but a 'closed work permit has restrictions).
There are however other social programs like income assistance and welfare benefits that are based on need. New immigrants and Canadian citizens can apply if they need to. This is probably what the OP was referring to and would not have qualified for it at the time because he/she had about $10,000 in savings.
unitedbritishphilippines said:
It sickens and appalled me every time I heard of people who wanted to apply for unemployment benefits just because they were just bloody lazy to work. Canada is not a welfare state. Canada is just generous in helping other people but it does not necessarily mean that anyone will just make advantage of the system. There is dignity in working. There is pride in contributing to the growth of this great country of hours. If you can't stand the heat in Canada you are most welcome to come back to wherever stinking bloody hole you crawl out. This nation of ours are made up of men and women who make positive contributions for the greatest part of the society and does not include your lazy kind.