NEWS RELEASE: MP Jeneroux’s compassionate bereavement bill finishes committee study in the Senate

June 9, 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

EDMONTON, AB – Matt Jeneroux’s Private Member’s Bill to extend bereavement leave has completed its committee study and will soon return for a third reading and final vote in the Upper Chamber.

The Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology today studied Bill C-220 by hearing testimony from Jeneroux, the MS Society of Canada and

“I’m so pleased to have appeared alongside such important Canadian health charities to testify about the impact and the importance of this bill,” said Jeneroux, the Member of Parliament for Edmonton Riverbend.

“Passing this bill into law could have a meaningful impact on thousands of Canadians who are grieving a family member’s death, and I’m glad the members of the committee realized that during today’s study.”

Jeneroux’s bill proposes to extend bereavement leave for all employees covered under the Canada Labour Code to 10 days, a doubling of the current five.

There were no amendments to the bill at today’s meeting and it will be referred back to the Senate for a third and final reading. If the bill passes the third reading, it will receive Royal Assent and become Canadian law.

The Senate is scheduled to break for the summer within days, making it extremely important that the bill return for a full vote before then.

“I do hope the Senators recognize the importance of this bill and make it a priority to pass it before the summer break and a possible fall election,” said Jeneroux.

“This bill will help Canadians when they need it most.”

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