EI benefits extended to families of seriously ill children
The federal government intends to follow through with its promise to create a new employment insurance benefit for parents who need to take time off work to care for seriously ill children, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said today.
The new benefit, promised during the 2011 election campaign, would provide income support for up to 35 weeks once implemented. It would be available for parents or legal guardians of minor children (under 18 years of age) with a life-threatening illness or injury. A medical certificate signed by a Canadian-certified pediatrician or medical specialist would be required to be eligible for the benefit.