Law Changes to Help Grieving Parents After a Child's Death
Support for Grieving Parents
This proposed law, called Evan's Law, focuses on helping parents who experience the tragic loss of a child. Currently, parents receiving employment insurance (EI) benefits, like parental leave, sometimes have to return money if they go back to work sooner than expected. This can happen after the death of a child. This proposed law would change that rule. It would say that parents in this situation would not be required to pay back any EI benefits. This change would directly affect parents who are receiving EI benefits related to the birth or adoption of a child and who then experience the death of that child. It also impacts their families. It would also change the Canada Labour Code, which sets standards for workplaces across Canada. This proposed law matters because it recognizes the immense grief and hardship faced by parents who lose a child. It aims to provide them with financial relief and flexibility during an incredibly difficult time. It acknowledges that returning to work early after such a loss might be necessary for some parents, and it removes the added burden of having to repay EI benefits.
I want to make things easier for parents who lose a child while on leave. My bill lets them keep their benefits without extra steps, saving the government money and reducing stress during a very hard time. I hope everyone will support this.

I fully support this bill to help families who are grieving the loss of a child. I also think we should change the rules so that if a parent dies while on leave, the other parent can still get the money to help them through a very hard time.
Where this proposed law falls on the policy spectrums that Canadians care about
By ensuring parents who return to work early after losing a child do not have to repay employment insurance benefits, the bill provides additional support and protection for workers during a difficult time, shifting the balance slightly towards worker rights.
The bill involves a minor increase in government spending by waiving the repayment of employment insurance benefits for bereaved parents who return to work early. This represents a slight shift towards expanding government programs.
This proposed law helps parents who experience the tragedy of losing a child while on employment insurance or parental leave. It ensures they can continue receiving benefits and leave without needing to reapply, which reduces administrative burden during a difficult time. However, it does not address support for parents beyond the existing benefit period.
Things to Watch For
- The law doesn't offer any additional support or benefits beyond the original leave period.
- It excludes parents convicted of an offense related to the child's death.
- The law does not address if the parent is ready or able to return to work at the end of the leave.
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How likely this proposed law is to be approved
Private member's bills are less likely to pass than government-sponsored ones. However, this proposed law has made it to committee, suggesting some support.
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