Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for his question.
It is not a matter of seeing the glass half empty or half full. I had my own experience with cancer, and it is not easy. I must say that our government believes in realistic, achievable measures. Our positions are based on consultations and on feedback from stakeholders and experts in the field.
Health advocates, including the Canadian Cancer Society, the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives and the MS Society of Canada have said that an extended sickness benefit is needed to allow for better recovery. They are calling for sickness benefits to be extended from 15 weeks to 26 weeks. We have listened to them.