E-7003: Petition to the Government of Canada — Canadian Petition Tracker
Canonical URL: https://petitiontracker.ca/petition/e-7003
Track petition E-7003 — "Petition to the Government of Canada" sponsored by Jamil Jivani. 1,019 signatures and counting. See signature growth trends and provincial breakdown on PetitionTracker.ca.
Petition Text
Petition to the Government of Canada
Whereas:
• Approximately 3% of all births in Canada each year are multiple births, these families face increased medical expenses, childcare costs, and the simultaneous demands of meeting each child’s needs, studies show higher postpartum depression and financial strain;
• Under the extended 18-month Employment Insurance option, a parent may receive a maximum $417 per week, meaning an eligible parent of three singleton children, taking extended leave for each child, could receive approximately $97,578 in total support;
• A parent of multiples receives the same maximum $417 per week for one 18-month period, totalling only $32,526 regardless of the number of babies;
• Parents of singletons receive separate maternity/parental leaves for each child, yet parents of multiples, who each contribute equally to Employment Insurance, receive only one leave period and one benefit despite having multiple newborns;
• A parent of three singletons may access 234 total weeks of extended parental leave, while a parent of triplet receives only 78 weeks, the current “per pregnancy” rule also prevents both eligible parents of multiples from accessing full Employment Insurance benefits;
• Multiples significantly increases workload, mothers face heightened health risks including higher rates of cesarean delivery, preterm birth, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit stays, postpartum depression, and lactation challenges, along with increased costs for essential equipment and specialized items i.e. double/ triple strollers; and
• Jurisdictions including Quebec and countries globally already provide additional leave for parents of multiples.
We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to amend the Employment Insurance Act to provide enhanced leave time and benefits for parents of multiples, reducing financial pressures, supporting improved health and developmental outcomes.