In my experience, working with bureaucracy is very black and white; there is no grey, there is no grace. There is none of that. It's either that you're here right now, or if you're not, then you're not here.
You made a very good point, Sarah, about sick leave. When I was pregnant with my kids, I wasn't overly sick and didn't have to take sick leave, but I think it is something that this committee needs to be aware of in the future, especially with many women going into trades fields and various types of workplaces that could be hazardous, women who aren't able to work while they're pregnant. If they're paying into EI, this gives them the opportunity to take the sick leave benefits. I think the committee should be mindful that some women aren't working up until the end of their pregnancy because they can't, because it's unsafe, or because it's a high-risk pregnancy such as you had.
Again, I want to thank you guys for being here today and sharing your story and carrying the torch on this very difficult topic.