Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau is promising to lower the government’s eligibility requirements for Canadians needing help to care for a sick loved one.
If elected, Trudeau says a Liberal government would invest $190 million to expand the compassionate care benefit and make it accessible to any Canadian looking after a seriously ill family member.
Read: Compassionate care benefits boost staff engagement
Speaking at a campaign stop in Victoria, Trudeau said the expanded program wouldn’t lead to Canadians paying higher employment insurance premiums.
Trudeau says under a Liberal government, the six-month benefit could also be claimed incrementally over a one-year period.
Read: Caregivers need employer support
The Liberal party traditionally hasn’t performed well on Vancouver Island, though Trudeau appears to be looking to gain traction in the southern region, where there’s been a historical spattering of support.
The party hasn’t been represented on the Island since its last M-P stepped down in 2011, after which they were soundly trounced in a tight two-way race between the Conservatives and the NDP.