Minister announces EI improvements for families with critically ill loved ones

New benefit available for extended family members

Yorkregion.com
September 27, 2018
Sheila Wang

Minister of families, children and social development announced the improvements to the employment insurance program on Sept. 26 in Richmond Hill in order to better support caregivers.

Minister Jean-Yves Duclos made the announcement on the new EI benefits in Richmond Hill with a group of seniors and caregivers during his visit at Mon Sheong Long-Term Care Centre, a 24-hour professional care service provider under the Mon Sheong Foundation.

The improvements include providing access to a new benefit of up to 15 weeks for caregivers who provide care to a critically ill or injured adult family member, and, for the first time, immediate and extended family members of children who are critically ill have access to a new benefit that was previously available only to parents, and much more.

These updates are expected to bring more relief to caregivers and their families.

“Every Canadian’s situation is unique. By making EI caregiving, maternity and parental benefits and leaves more flexible, inclusive and easier to access, we are providing hard-working middle-class Canadian families with more options to better balance their work and life responsibilities,” Duclos said.

Prior to the announcement, the minister visited seniors in the facility and took part in their morning exercise routine.

“We are delighted that Minister Duclos chose to share his special announcement concerning caregivers at our facility,” said Stephanie Wong, CEO of Mon Sheong Foundation. “We have had the prime minister and several MPs visit our facilities this year, so we are glad to see the federal government is keeping the Chinese community in mind.”

Mon Sheong Foundation, established in 1964, is Canada’s first registered charity specializing in the Chinese community.