If I understand correctly, it is currently possible for a woman to claim EI maternity benefits for eight weeks before the due date while keeping the 15 weeks of benefits. Bill C-243 sought to make it possible for women to take the full 15 weeks prior to their due date if they so wished.
In yesterday's budget, the government opted instead to allow pregnant women to claim EI maternity benefits for 12 of the 15 weeks before their due date and three weeks after the due date.
As a representative of the Department of Employment and Social Development, what is your view on that budget measure?