After a quick search, you ARE able to serve if you're collecting EI benefits...
http://www.canadianlawsite.ca/jury-duty.htm#j...
What if I am Receiving Employment Insurance Benefits?
Under the Employment Insurance Act, a person entitled to employment insurance benefits remains entitled to those benefits while engaged in jury service.
That only adds more substance to MY argument that these people SHOULD be at the top of the list EVERY time.