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e-2185 (Employment Insurance Program)

E-petition
Initiated by Joshua Dahling from Port Alberni, British Columbia

Original language of petition: English

Petition to the House of Commons in Parliament assembled

Whereas:
  • The Canadian Government recognizes the need to support families when a life is brought in to this world, yet it does little for support when a loved one dies;
  • It is estimated that for every death, five people are impacted severely. Some experience (life-long) symptoms including: anxiety, chemical dependency, depression, divorce, suicide, homelessness and more;
  • Although most people will experience the loss of a loved one in their lifetime, few have adequate long-term supports and/or resources to assist through bereavement;
  • Currently, the Canadian Labour Code only provides three consecutive working days for bereavement leave with strict guidelines regarding pay; and
  • Despite the mental health implications associated with loss, there is virtually no government funding designated towards bereavement care. Organizations like the Camp Kerry Society, which provides year-round services to individuals and families coping with illness, grief and loss, must fundraise for every client they serve across this country.
We, the undersigned, Citizens of Canada, call upon the House of Commons in Parliament assembled to (a) recognize that there are long-term implications associated with insufficient bereavement care and to take actions to help remedy this crisis; (b) increase paid bereavement leave from three days to an arrangement similar to parental leave; (c) provide funding specifically designated towards bereavement care services that can be easily accessed by organizations like the Camp Kerry Society, hospices and others who specialize in this field; and (d) amend current legislation to allow up to 104 weeks of leave if a child has died regardless of whether or not a crime has been committed.
Open for signature
May 22, 2019, at 4:52 p.m. (EDT)
Closed for signature
June 21, 2019, at 4:52 p.m. (EDT)
Photo - Gord Johns
Courtenay—Alberni
New Democratic Party Caucus
British Columbia