Ottawa/Chilliwack – Mark Stahl, MP for Chilliwack-Fraser Canyon highlighted Employment and Social Development Minister Pierre Polievre’s announcement that proposes to increase financial support for individuals taking care of family members facing a significant risk of death.
“Families should be able to care for their loved ones in times of need, without risking their financial security. I am proud that this Government is taking steps to support caregivers who have dedicated themselves to their family members,” said Strahl.
Compassionate care benefits are part of the Employment Insurance program and are available to individuals temporarily away from work to care for a family member who is dying or at risk of death. Effective January 3, 2016, the proposed enhancement will increase the number of weeks of compassionate care benefits from 6 to 26, representing an additional investment of $37 million.
To ensure individuals will not have to choose between keeping their jobs and caring for their families, the proposed amendments will also extend compassionate care leave from 26 weeks to 52 weeks for federally regulated businesses.
This announcement ensures that the Employment Insurance program continues to help Canadians when they need it most, and affirms the Government’s support for families. The enhancements being made to compassionate care benefits, through Economic Action Plan 2015, will help families receive the support they need as they care for loved ones at end-of-life across Canada and in Chilliwack-Fraser Canyon.
