FEWO Committee Report

RECOMMENDATION 1

That the government develop a framework for extending maternity and parental benefits to self-employed workers under the EI program and examine other program models which could provide maternity and parental benefits to self-employed workers. The Committee requests that these models include:

1. conducting a cost-benefit analysis of applying the features of Quebec maternity and parental benefits program throughout Canada; and
2. developing options for financing such a system;
3. exploring options to increase the benefit rate for maternity and parental benefits;

In regards to the Employment Insurance program specifically, the Committee further requests that the government provide it with information on

4. the costs and benefits of increasing the maximum insurable earnings level from the current level of $39,000 and
5. options to introduce greater flexibility in maternity and parental benefits under Employment Insurance.

RECOMMENDATION 2

That the number of hours required to be eligible for Employment Insurance special benefits be the shorter of:

• the 600 hours currently required to be eligible or
• the insurable hours required in the applicant's region to qualify for regular Employment Insurance benefits.

RECOMMENDATION 3

That HRSDC remove the two-week waiting period at the beginning of the benefit period for the receipt of maternity and parental benefits, thus making applicants eligible for benefits during the entire 52 week period covered by Employment Insurance.