September 12, 2021 

Vancouver, BC – Today, the Hon. Erin O’Toole, Leader of Canada’s Conservatives, announced his plan to support parents experiencing the trauma of a miscarriage, stillbirth, or loss of a child.

“Every year, thousands of Canadian parents struggle with the loss of a child, but our current benefits system does not provide the proper support for grieving parents,” said O’Toole. “Canada’s Conservatives will end the stigma and ensure parents have access to the financial support and time they need to mourn.”

Currently, employment insurance parental benefits end immediately following the death of a child. A Conservative government will reform this to extend EI parental leave for at least eight weeks following the death of a child, ensuring that parents are not abruptly cut off from their benefits. Canada’s Conservatives will also provide up to eight weeks of paid leave from employment in the event of a stillbirth.

To promote healing and family wellness, a Conservative government will also provide parents with three days of paid bereavement leave in the event of a miscarriage. 

“We will be there for grieving parents when they need us most,” said O’Toole. “Only Canada’s Conservatives have a plan to support families and secure the future.”