Thank you, Mr. Chair. I have a couple of quick things.
I want to thank the Bloc Québécois for bringing this bill forward. I think it signifies a real step forward in EI benefits for those who really need them.
I wanted to make a comment. My Conservative colleagues and I, on this committee and in caucus at large, have been working quite hard internally to put forward a policy, which was resoundingly adopted at our recent policy convention, to extend sickness benefits to 52 weeks.
We're taking the perspective that in Canada, having a full year to have sickness benefits, whether you're dealing with a significant illness or a horrific injury that you need rehabilitation for, really sends a very clear message on our special benefits in this country and I think would mean a lot to all Canadians who really need that time. There's something about a full year, I think, that is quite important. It's something we can really hang our hats on and say we've accomplished as lawmakers.
For that reason, I'd like to move that Bill C-265 in clause 2 be amended by replacing line 2 on page 2 with the following: “tine is 52”. The full amended clause would read: “because of a prescribed illness, injury or quarantine is 52”.
Mr. Chair, that's my amendment.