Thank you, Chair.
In March, we know the government encouraged those who lost their jobs due to COVID-19 to apply for EI. Then CERB was announced and it was understood that those who applied for EI were going to be rolled over into CERB.
We are hearing many instances of expectant mothers not receiving the benefits that they are entitled to. We've heard instances of expectant mothers being told that they are required to start their EI maternity leave immediately, despite qualifying for the CERB benefit, and instances where expectant mothers applied for EI benefits before CERB was available, but unlike non-pregnant applicants, have not been switched over to the CERB program.
As many of us know, myself included, who just had a baby nine months ago, there are financial costs and changes in life, but a baby also brings great joy. I can only imagine the stress of having a baby during a pandemic, and on top of that, fighting for benefits when one is entitled to them.
What actions have been taken within the department to ensure that expectant mothers are receiving the benefits they are entitled to and to ensure that expectant mothers are receiving accurate information?