Mr. Speaker, one year ago the House adopted a motion calling on the government to increase the special EI sickness benefits from 15 to 50 weeks.
At present, people suffering from chronic diseases or workers with cancer who have paid EI premiums all their lives are falling through the cracks. Not only do they have to fight their illness, but they also wonder if they will be able to pay their bills at the end of the month. People who are ill often worry more about their financial situation than about taking care of themselves, and that is unacceptable.
The Bloc Québécois introduced a bill to fix this. We urge the government to immediately increase sickness benefits from 15 to 50 weeks.