NDP, labour groups want new parents to be able to access EI if they lose their job

By The Canadian Press on February 15, 2024.

OTTAWA – New Democrats and labour leaders are calling on Ottawa to change the employment insurance program so Canadians who take parental leave can still access unemployment benefits if they are out of work.

Under current rules, a worker who pays into the system has to work a specific number of hours to qualify for benefits, and must do so for each new claim they make.

That means a new parent who has lost their job after taking parental leave has to work the necessary hours anew to get their regular benefits.

NDP MP Daniel Blaikie and labour leaders held a news conference this morning and called the current system discriminatory, particularly against new mothers.

The Liberal government had pledged to reform the employment insurance program during the last election, but has pushed off that promise amid a weakening economy.

In 2022, former employment minister Carla Qualtrough indicated the Liberals wanted to bring in a fix for new parents so that they can still access regular benefits.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 15, 2024.

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