Mr. Speaker, the member for Leeds—Grenville's private member's bill was an important step in the process to create this new EI benefit.
I am pleased to report that the new special benefit was available as of Sunday. In fact, the first applications have already been received. This will provide up to 35 weeks of EI to parents so they can focus on the care of their critically ill or injured children. Our government understands the important role that parents play in the health of their children and it is another important way we are putting families first.