Some of my colleagues have asked about ways to improve the situation. In my opinion, correcting inequity in the employment insurance system would be a step in the right direction, because we're talking about 15 weeks of attachment benefits, the employment relationship and bonding with the child. For a parent, those things really matter.
I just want to remind you that the employment insurance system is no silver bullet, and that it's important we move forward. These parental benefits won't make parents any richer, because we're talking about an income replacement rate of up to 55% of the claimant's assessment. Unfortunately, if things go sideways along the way, if they lose their job, for example, the situation could deteriorate in terms of benefits.
So we will fix what needs to be fixed, but it should be part of a comprehensive reform of the employment insurance system, which we're expecting and which would provide additional support in these situations.
If I understand correctly, an amendment should at least be made so that the parent can choose to take the 15‑week parental leave and has the flexibility to decide how many weeks of leave they want to take before and after the child's arrival. I understand that's a desirable amendment we could make as parliamentarians.
Ms. McLeod, did I understand your intention when you talked about flexibility?