I think the key to this whole thing is that we have to find a way to recognize the grief that these parents are suffering with a special benefit that applies to them. We're hearing, and we heard it this morning from the Service Canada officials, that this or that might work or maybe could apply, and everything is about trying to find a way to put it in another place where it doesn't belong.
Sarah correctly mentioned that many people going through a difficult pregnancy might use those sick leave provisions that are available during the pregnancy, so then they're not eligible to access them. That's most frequently cited here as something that could be used, but it won't be possible if someone's used them already.
I can tell you the story of Paula Harmon, in Nova Scotia, and how she went through a whole process. These are the people who are strong enough to be able to even go through the process. You heard Sarah just now talk about how difficult that was. Some people just aren't able to bear putting themselves through the numerous phone calls and visits that are required to do this stuff. If they can bear to do that, if they have the strength, they still may not be able to get the sickness benefits. Her story was that the Service Canada person came back and said, “Look, bereavement of a child does not qualify you for sickness benefits, but maybe if you could get back to the doctor and get them to write something else, like stress, maybe you could get them then.” Could you imagine being told that by a government official?
I think what is needed here is the ability. There are other examples of similar situations in which we provide benefits like this for specific situations. Anyone who's a parent should be able to appreciate and understand that losing a child would be the most difficult situation that any of us could ever go through. Could we not show a little compassion and provide some kind of benefit to allow people a little time to grieve and get over this terrible, tragic circumstance, and not force them to spend that time dealing with Service Canada agents, banks, and other institutions, with numerous phone calls?
I can tell you stories of people who had to share their story 10 or 12 times with government officials in order to try to fight for benefits. Why are we doing that to these people? Let's make this something that they can receive automatically that will be tailored for their needs. I think it's the least we can do.