Last year, Airdrie Conservative MP Blake Richards introduced Motion 110 to benefit families who have lost a child during parental leave.

Richards made the motion in support of Sarah and Lee Cormier, the founders of Quinn’s Legacy. The Cormier’s daughter Quinn died of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), and Sarah’s maternity benefits were cancelled soon after the death.

(Photo Courtesy: Bernard Thibodeau/House Of Commons)

“Many families aren’t aware of that and then they get a bill from the government,” said Richards. “You can only imagine when you’re grieving the loss of an infant child or a stillborn child and you suddenly realize you have to pay back the government some money and you have to go back to work immediately when you’re just not even ready to put your face out into the world yet at this point because you’re still grieving.”

Right now Richards said he’s had great support from opposition MP’s and is talking with the Liberal members responsible for making this change.

“There seems to be some support from individual Liberal MP’s that I have spoken to. I have met with the Minister responsible for Families and Children and I certainly haven’t had a commitment from him. Right now, we’re kind of in the process of encouraging the members of the committee who study this and we’re really strongly encouraging them right now to take some leadership because they have some significant influence in this regards.”

Richards is hoping that community members will reach out to the Liberal MP’s and he has put more information on Motion 110 on his website.

 

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