Mr. Speaker, as the pandemic continues, we are learning that for many people the effects of COVID-19 can last over the long term, with debilitating symptoms such as shortness of breath and chronic fatigue. In some cases, these symptoms are lasting for months and making it impossible for affected Canadians to work. Because of the newness of the disease, government and private insurers are too often getting away with letting these Canadians fall through the cracks.
Will the minister commit to extending the EI sickness benefit to 50 weeks and make it retroactive to January, when many COVID long-haulers' EI sickness benefits expired?