Thank you for the question, Chair.
The rationale for bringing forth the 15-week shareable new EI benefit that would support those who become parents through the process of adoption or through the process of surrogacy would respond to a Government of Canada commitment to introduce such a benefit. It was outlined in the mandate letter of 2021 for the then Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion.
It would also ensure that the EI program continues to be responsive to the different ways in which families are formed, including, as I said, through the many different types of adoption and surrogacy. It would cover the same types of adoption that are currently covered by EI parental benefits.