Mr. Chair, they said we didn't bring any witnesses. Even if we had brought witnesses for the next week, nobody would have been able to answer because the study is not finished. That's the point I'm trying to make.
We have a bill in front of us, and it seems to me we're giving a fair share to the bill. EI has been here for 10 years, and they've been studying it now since 1996. It's not like we're missing information. I don't think so.
That's the point I wanted to make, and I think I got the answer.
I will follow up on Mr. Chong's train of thought because he asked some questions that I am interested in.
Employment insurance benefits currently last for 15 weeks for an individual who has a disability or an illness. That individual can use employment insurance but they should not be able to, if one refers to the bill, because not everybody can. If I have understood correctly, everyone should be included. Because the program does not include everyone, it is not a good program.
Does the same issue apply to the 15 weeks? Should it be eliminated? Because in fact, this does not apply to everyone.
Yesterday, our witnesses included some individuals who spoke to us about this bill and about the people they represented who had heart problems or cancer, for example. It was pointed out that usually the longest period of time for which one can receive benefits is 50 weeks. It can't be for longer. Or it was 45 weeks.
Yet it takes approximately a year, for someone who has cancer and needs chemotherapy treatments, to go through all those treatments. The witnesses were very clear about this yesterday. It was crystal clear: that is the problem. Amongst people who become ill from the flu or another minor illness, only 30%, and I believe you confirmed this yourself, require benefits for more than 15 weeks, I believe. Usually those individuals who need it for longer are individuals who need long-term care.
I have yet to see an individual who's treated for cancer apply to the Canada Pension Plan and immediately begin receiving pension benefits. Under employment insurance, one can receive benefits immediately with a physician's signature. One can quit work.
Do you not think that the 15 or 50-week periods actually fall under the same category? If it's discriminatory to give 50 weeks, then it's also discriminatory to get 15. Do you agree with me?