Thank you for that.
I know that this past March the committee had the opportunity to actually implement [Technical difficulty—Editor]. I believe Mr. Blaikie was here with us. He brought forward an amendment for 50 weeks in a Liberal piece of legislation for the CRB extension. The Conservatives were very supportive of that, as were the NDP, who brought it forward. The Liberals were not. Later, the Liberals in the House of Commons said that they were not keen to provide a royal recommendation to Madam DeBellefeuille's bill, which is needed in order to make this bill law.
I was quite discouraged by that as I know many members were. I think it shows that there is a lot of commitment from across party lines to make this happen. That is encouraging, but it's not nearly fast enough, particularly for all the witnesses on this committee who have suffered through 15 measly weeks of sickness benefits when they're battling MS or cancer.
I know, Marie-Hélène Dubé, that you've battled cancer three times in about five years, I thought you said, so it is clearly urgent.
We know that COVID long-haulers.... Another one of our witnesses, Madam Renaud, has outlined her experience there, so we know it is urgent.
One thing I want to get your perspective on is the recent Conservative policy convention resolution that overwhelmingly supported 52 weeks of sickness benefits. It's very close to what Madam DeBellefeuille is putting forward—just two extra weeks. I would love to get your thoughts, Mr. Sansfaçon, Madam Dubé and also Madam Kelndorfer, on whether you would be supportive of the Conservative policy for 52 weeks of sickness benefits.
Go ahead, Mr. Sansfaçon.