Government of Canada increases duration of Employment Insurance compassionate care benefit
Excerpted from Government of Canada Press Release
The Minister also said today that the Government will work towards providing more generous leave for caregivers in the future. The Government has committed to making the compassionate care benefit more flexible, easier to access and more inclusive, she said.
Compassionate care benefits provide temporary income support to eligible individuals who must be away from work to provide care for a gravely ill family member at risk of death.
Effective January 3, 2016, the enhanced benefit, announced in 2015, allows claimants to collect up to 26 weeks of benefits, up from the current 6 weeks. Further, the period during which benefits can be taken is expanded to 52 weeks (up from 26 weeks). Benefits can be shared between family members.
Eligibility for compassionate care benefits remains the same, including the requirement for a medical certificate signed by a doctor attesting to the family member’s condition.
Corresponding changes to the Canada Labour Code will come into force at the same time to ensure that the jobs of employees in federally regulated enterprises remain protected while they avail themselves of compassionate care benefits under the EI program.
Related Topics
- Learn about the financial assistance POGO provides to families
- Visit Service Canada to get the most up to date information about Employment Insurance compassionate care benefits
Ontario Making Hospital Parking More Affordable
Ontario hospital parking discounts came into effect October 1, 2016!
On January 18, 2016 Ontario's Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care issued the following press release:
As of October 1, 2016, hospitals that charge more than $10 a day for parking will be required to provide 5-, 10- and 30-day passes that are:
- Discounted by 50 per cent off their daily rate
- Transferable between patients and caregivers
- Equipped with in-and-out privileges throughout a 24-hour period
- Good for one year from the date of purchase.
Ontario consulted with patients, patient advocacy groups, hospitals and the Ontario Hospital Association to find a fair plan that reduces the financial burden of parking fees for patients and their visitors.
Between now and October 1, 2016, hospitals will work directly with their Patient and Family Advisory Councils to implement this new policy, ensuring that it is well promoted and easy to understand. Each hospital will provide details on its specific parking policy and discounts.
Approximately 900,000 patients and visitors - including 135,000 seniors - are expected to benefit from reduced parking fees each year.
Saving patients and their loved ones money on hospital parking is part of the government's plan to build a better Ontario through its Patients First: Action Plan for Health Care, which is providing patients with faster access to the right care, better home and community care, the information they need to stay healthy and a health care system that's sustainable for generations to come.
" Parking fees should never be a barrier for patients when they go to the hospital. With today’s announcement, we are providing relief from the high cost of parking at some hospitals in Ontario. By making parking more affordable for patients and their loved ones who visit the hospital often, we are helping to reduce the burden of parking fees and putting patients first."
- Dr. Eric Hoskins, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care
" We are thrilled that our concerns around the high cost of hospital parking have been addressed in a meaningful way that will help defray the cost of hospital parking for families of children with cancer in Ontario. You heard our voices, included us in the consultation, and have come up with a plan that reflects that in a very positive way. Thank you."
- Susan Kuczynski, Member of Ontario Parents Advocating for Children with Cancer
QUICK FACTS
- The Ministry was pleased to have consulted with a number of hospitals and the Ontario Hospital Association in regards to parking fee changes in Fall 2015
- The Ministry will require other hospitals that do not own their own lots to make best efforts to influence their partners, like municipalities and private operators to cap or cut parking fees for those who must visit the hospital frequently.
- In Ontario 45 Hospitals currently offer free parking and 54 charge $10 or less per day. It is estimated that 36 hospitals charge more than $10 a day.
- The government is directing hospitals not to raise their daily parking rates for the next three years starting today.
RELATED LINKSÂ
- POGO Financial Assistance Program
- "Rates Cut in Half for Frequent Hospital Visitors" Ontario Government Press Release, Oct. 3, 2016
- Ontario Ministry of Health: Patients First: Action Plan for Health Care