April 12, 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OTTAWA, ON – A Private Members’ Bill introduced by MP Matt Jeneroux to extend bereavement leave for more Canadian employees will have its third reading in the House of Commons on Tuesday, April 13.

Bill C-220, An Act to amend the Canada Labour Code (bereavement leave), would give all Canadian employees whose job falls under the Canada Labour Code 10 days of bereavement leave following the death of a loved one.

“We’re talking about bereavement leave more and more as a society, and now is the perfect time to pass this bill, which will help millions of Canadian workers as they grieve a loved one’s death,” said Jeneroux, who represents the riding of Edmonton Riverbend.

Jeneroux’s bill, which was introduced in February 2020, originally proposed to extend the Compassionate Care Leave benefit program for up to three weeks beyond the death of a loved one.

However, the bill was amended after being studied by the House of Commons’ Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities in February 2021.

“Ultimately, the amended version of this bill would help more Canadians as it wouldn’t be restricted to just those who use the Compassionate Care Leave program,” said Jeneroux.

“I’m so pleased all of the parties have recognized the importance of bereavement and look forward to tomorrow’s debate.”

If the bill passes its third reading, it will be sent to the Senate, where it will repeat the same steps of three readings and a committee study.

This bill builds on Jeneroux’s work in the Alberta Legislature, where he had a Private Members’ Bill passed in 2014 that introduced compassionate care leave in the province.

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