Mr. Speaker, I hope it will be extended to 50 weeks.
Unfortunately, EI does not meet the needs of those with serious illnesses. The 15 weeks of special sickness benefits are not adequate for illnesses such as cancer, which sometimes involve longer recovery times and relapses. Sickness benefits have been capped since 1971, but 88% of Canadians are in favour of increasing them.
After 50 years, will the government finally change EI to meet the needs of the sick and provide 50 weeks of benefits in the interest of fairness?