Bill C-13 (Historical)

Fairness for Military Families (Employment Insurance) Act

An Act to amend the Employment Insurance Act

This enactment amends the Employment Insurance Act to extend the benefit period and the period during which parental benefits may be paid for Canadian Forces members whose period of parental leave is deferred or who are directed to return to duty from parental leave.

Fairness for Military Families (Employment Insurance) Act

[Scott Simms, Liberal, Bonavista—Gander—Grand Falls—Windsor, NL]

Madam Speaker, I will not take up too much time. The hon. member talked about certain amendments to this particular bill. She made a good point about the aid workers. I also made a point to talk about the diplomatic corps and cases where people are in this country while their spouses are obviously stationed in diplomatic postings in other parts of the world.

I would like her to comment on that. I would also like her to comment on retroactivity. It does state that it is going to take effect, for those qualifying for that benefit period, the day of or thereafter in that benefit period. They are the people who will benefit from this. Has she thought about the idea of retroactivity, who that would include and how wholesome that would be?

[Megan Leslie, NDP, Halifax, NS]

Madam Speaker, I have been reading the transcripts of this debate and seen the issue of retroactivity brought up in particular by this member. I think that is certainly a good idea. I do not necessarily have a point of view right now on how far back that should go. I would leave that to people who have more expertise dealing with retroactivity of bills.

It could really be a great thing. The 104 weeks is a long time that a person would be able to possibly use that EI time. Some people could be cut out even though they could perhaps still fall within that 104 weeks of when the child was brought home and they would be excluded because there was no retroactivity for the bill.

Therefore, it makes good sense to me to look at retroactivity and I am supportive of that kind of a motion.

[Linda Duncan, NDP, Edmonton Strathcona, AB]

Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. member for her incredible speech today. As usual she brings it down to the basic community level. It is absolutely beautiful how she always does this.

It reminds us all in the House that our military and our police officers are part of our community. It is very important when we are bringing forward measures, that we think fulsomely of all the support they need.

I am wondering if the hon. member could respond to my inquiry. We are offering extended parental leave and some level of flexibility, but in many cases the officers returning to Canada are severely injured or mentally incapacitated. They may have to live in another location.

I am wondering if perhaps we should be giving additional assistance and thought to the fact that there might have to be additional support to the family, so they can be reunited and parental support can be given.

[Megan Leslie, NDP, Halifax, NS]

Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Edmonton—Strathcona for her kind words and also recognize the incredible advocacy she is doing on behalf of her constituents in the House.

The member raises some really good points about what I said earlier, how the lives of military families are really complicated. They are very unusual. They do not have lives like most of us. We go to work at 9 a.m., go home at 5 p.m., and have the weekends to play ball with our kids.

Their lives are very complicated. It involves being deployed. It involves being away from their families for long periods of time. It involves, hopefully not, but it does involve sometimes being hurt, returning home, and having to deal with things like post-traumatic stress disorder or physical injuries, and having that kind of recuperation time.

Having access to different supports like EI can only be a good thing. It can only be a respectful thing to show that we acknowledge the complicated lives that our military families have. I love the ideas that the member has raised.

[Peter MacKay, Conservative, Minister of National Defence]

Very briefly, Madam Speaker, and it is more of a comment.

I want to thank the hon. member for Halifax. She represents a very important naval community. I commend her for her very complimentary words about this being the 100th centennial anniversary of the Canadian navy.

I would also take the opportunity to express thanks to all members who have taken part in this important debate, and in particular to the member for Nepean—Carleton for bringing this matter forward to remedy what was an anomaly in the act that will definitely help military families.

At the same time, I think it would be in keeping with the upcoming celebration this weekend, Mother's Day, to acknowledge as members have the important contribution of military families, but particularly mothers, in support of our military. For those who are deployed and for their families, I want to extend greetings to all and a warm thanks for all they do.

[Megan Leslie, NDP, Halifax, NS]

Madam Speaker, I thank the minister for his kind words and happy Mother's Day to him as well.

[Brian Jean, Conservative, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport]

Madam Speaker, I just want to say how pleased I am today to see the NDP support some of the good work that this government does. I know that in the past it seems to be only those on the Conservative side who support veterans, who support the economy, and actually make differences in Canadians' lives. I really appreciate that from the NDP today in supporting this government.

[The Acting Speaker, NDP, Denise Savoie]

Resuming debate. Is the House ready for the question?

[Some hon. members]

Question.

[The Acting Speaker, NDP, Denise Savoie]

The question is on the motion. Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion?

[Some hon. members]

Agreed.

[The Acting Speaker, NDP, Denise Savoie]

I declare the motion carried. Accordingly the bill stands referred to the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons With Disabilities.

(Motion agreed to, bill read the second time and referred to a committee.)

[The Acting Speaker, NDP, Denise Savoie]

It being 1:30 p.m., the House will now proceed to the consideration of private members' business as listed on today's order paper.