Mr. Chair, it's quite similar to our last one, so I won't spend too much time on it.
It's very similar to amendment NDP-16 but focuses on self-employed workers in order to give them the same flexibility I was trying to achieve with my last amendment, which, unfortunately, was not adopted. I fear the same outcome for this amendment. I would understand in this case, though, as it would ensure equal treatment for all claimants.
That said, I think self-employed workers also deserve the flexibility my amendment would give them. In terms of parental benefits, self-employed claimants should be able to change their minds and collect what would ultimately be the same amount, just spread over a different benefit period. That would be better than only having the choice between 12 months or 18 months.