Mr. Speaker, on September 25, the pilot project for mothers on preventive withdrawal began.
This project will allow pregnant women who opted for preventive withdrawal to decide if they want to collect partial employment insurance benefits while they receive CSST benefits. Those who choose not to receive partial EI benefits may be eligible for a longer maternity and parental leave.
The purpose of this pilot project is to remedy a situation that prevents some women who receive preventive withdrawal benefits from receiving their full maternity and parental leave benefits when they are receiving partial employment insurance benefits at the same time.
The Government of Canada wishes to ensure that all Canadian mothers have full access to maternity and parental leave. This project demonstrates our renewed commitment to supporting Canadian families.