Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to rise in this House, on the traditional territory of the Algonquin nation, to present a petition to the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development from many petitioners across Canada.
This relates to something that touches all of our constituencies, and that is, of course, parents dealing with COVID who are trying to take care of their kids, particularly parents who are on maternity or parental leave and who have had to be in lockdown, missing important social and bonding opportunities for their children that are crucial for early childhood development. It also touches those who are currently on leave and have missed out on having support from family, friends and grandparents, also due to COVID.
The petitioners ask that the minister extend paid maternity or parental leave by three months in response to COVID and the consequent lockdown.