The time to act on EI sickness benefit reform is now

Under normal circumstances, the government’s task of deciding what items to include in a budget is incredibly difficult. With no shortage of aspirational goals to achieve and election promises to fulfill, the choices are difficult. This year, the federal budget is being decided during a time of utmost unusual circumstances. COVID-19 will no doubt be a priority in the budget, as it should be. But broader than that, this budget should focus on health and the well-being of Canadians. Canadians need a budget that supports their quality of life, which means not just their physical and mental health, but their financial health as well. This is where you can help, Minister Carla Qualtrough, by ensuring that an extension to the Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefit rises to the top of government priorities for the 2021 budget. The EI sickness benefit currently provides 15 weeks of paid time off work for people with a serious illness or injury. It supports Canadians not just financially, but also allows them the time to focus on their treatment or recovery without having to worry about money. When Canadians face cancer, this terrifying diagnosis also comes with financial strain. In addition to a loss of income from taking time off work, people with cancer also face new expenses such as medications, the cost of travel for treatment, and home care costs. The stress caused by this financial burden can create serious anxiety and long-term consequences. The one-in-two Canadians who will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime need basic financial support so their energy can be focused on getting well rather than worrying about how to pay bills. That’s exactly what the EI sickness benefit is intended to do. It is a safety net for workers who need time to recover from serious illness or injury. However, a cap of 15 weeks is simply not enough time for Canadians undergoing cancer treatment. The average length of treatment for people with breast and colon cancer—two of the most commonly diagnosed cancers for Canadians—ranges between 26 and 37 weeks. That’s an unreasonable gap of up to five months without any financial support. The Canadian Cancer Society has long called for an extension of the EI sickness benefit to at least 26 weeks and up to 50 weeks. As your government is tasked with rebuilding post-pandemic, we will need an economy that works for everyone. One that ensures Canadians have secure jobs and a steady flow of income. But for those that reach the end of their EI sickness benefit before recovering, they are forced into difficult decisions: lose their income and continue treatment or keep their income and forgo treatment and recovery. Without support, these individuals could lose their jobs or struggle to support their families. A comprehensive recovery plan must include financial supports that adequately address the needs of Canadians with a serious injury or illness like cancer. No one should be forced to choose between a paycheque and cancer treatment. COVID-19 has shown us the important role government plays in supporting Canadians when they need it most. Your government quickly stepped in to provide financial assistance for Canadians who are sick or self-isolating due to COVID-19 or caring for someone sick or isolating. Moreover, your government just announced an extension of EI regular benefits from 24 to 50 weeks. You have shown how quickly you can adapt benefit programs to meet the needs of Canadians. The sickness benefit deserves that same swift updating after going nearly five decades unchanged. As you, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, and others make the difficult decision about what priorities to include in the budget, know that there are nearly one million Canadians living with and beyond cancer depending on you. Minister Qualtrough: the time to act is now. Don’t let this issue get wrapped up in sweeping reforms that will take years to enact. Don’t let it get lost in the shuffle. As you provide recommendations as to what items should be included in the upcoming budget, please put an extension to the EI sickness benefit at the top. Canadians living with cancer can’t afford to wait any longer. Andrea Seale is the chief executive officer of the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS). CCS unites and inspires all Canadians to take control of cancer by funding cancer research and providing a support system for all Canadians affected by cancer. With 20-plus years of non-profit leadership experience, Andrea is dedicated to empowering people to build the causes that make our world more compassionate, healthy, and just. The Hill Times