Thank you, Mr. Chair and committee members, for the opportunity to appear before you today to present the perspective of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada regarding Bill C-278.
Let me begin by commending Mr. Eyking for introducing this important initiative, which could help many people across the country.
Today I will focus briefly on the impact that this bill could have on those afflicted with heart disease and particularly stroke.
Heart disease and stroke are the leading causes of death, hospitalization, and drug prescriptions, and are the largest disease-based cost drivers on the Canadian economy.
First, I will speak briefly about the implications of this bill for those afflicted with heart disease. There are some instances in which this bill could assist those recovering from heart bypass surgeries. We know that those undergoing bypass surgeries generally can return to work within eight to twelve weeks. However, those who have existing co-morbidities such as diabetes or depression and those who have manual labour employment could take longer before returning to work; that is, potentially more than 15 weeks, so these people could benefit from an extension in benefits.
More pertinent, however, for the purpose of our discussion today, are those people afflicted by stroke, which is more of a disabling disease. Of those 15,000 Canadians who died from stroke in 2003, approximately 1,300 were under the age of 65. Knowing that approximately 80% of those who have a stroke survive, we can estimate that each year about 5,200 Canadians survive a stroke under the age of 65.
One study relevant to this age demographic has suggested that only 20% will return to gainful employment within the ensuing three years after their stroke, and few will return to work within a year. Naturally, some of these survivors would be severely impaired and would presumably qualify for CPP disability. However, many of those with moderate to minor disability would not qualify for CPP. This group would benefit from an extension of the benefits beyond 15 weeks.
We also know from another study examining stroke survivors between the ages of 15 and 45 that the average time to return to work was about eight months. In Canada, this particular group would number around 1,000 people and would very clearly benefit from an extension. I would also point out that 1,000 people would not pose a huge burden on the EI system.
Finally, I would also like to indicate, as many of the committee members already know, that income has a significant impact on health. As such, providing income support for those who are ill longer than 15 weeks can help to maintain health and consequently further increase the likelihood of getting stroke survivors back to work faster and improving productivity.
Aside from this, we also have to remember to take into account the human and compassionate side of this issue; that is, the need to help individuals and families cope with the difficulties associated with major illnesses such as heart disease and stroke.
In conclusion, it is the foundation's perspective that extending the EI benefit beyond 15 weeks will benefit those afflicted with heart disease and stroke.