I think it's absolutely fair to say that there has been adaptation, and I would describe that adaptation as significant over the years in terms of the EI program today versus where it was when it began over 75 years ago. If you take a look simply at the benefits that are now paid through the program, there was roughly $13 billion paid in what we call EI regular benefits with respect to job loss in 2016-17. More than $5 billion was paid in EI special benefits at the same time.
That component, which is being paid out in terms of maternity, parental, sickness and caregiving benefits, continues to grow in importance. I think it recognizes that there's a growing importance for workers to be able to take time away from their jobs for what may be family responsibilities. The leave that accompanies the EI benefits is also important for holding their jobs so that they have something to return to.
I think there is also some logic to having the benefits within the EI program in terms of a support to the labour market, but certainly arguments have been made and could be made for removing them from the program.