One of the largest business groups in the country says a sweeping review of the employment insurance system should consider whether to turn parental benefits into a separate program.
It's an idea that has been floated previously, to hive off the special benefits for new parents from the EI system, given the growth in demand for the leaves, although how to finance it has been a key stumbling block.
Leah Nord, senior director of workforce strategies at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, says the idea has been raised anew by businesses during recent meetings on the future of EI as one piece of a larger puzzle to modernize the decades-old system.
The Liberals have promised to unveil a road map for a renewed EI by September, and Employment Minister Carla Qualtrough was scheduled to start hosting regional roundtables about the future of the program.
In a tweet, Qualtrough said the meetings build on last fall's consultations with employer and worker groups about how to better support gig workers, self-employed and seasonal workers in the system.
EI is a critical part of a strong, fair economy, but too many Canadians still can't access it.
— Carla Qualtrough (@CQualtro) January 11, 2022
Today I met with employers, workers, & reps in #NL to hear how we can modernize our #EI system to make sure it meets the needs of people in their province. pic.twitter.com/NJoxrC73Ku
Qualtrough also noted the need to improve support for workers during life events like the birth of a child or adoption.
