June 7, 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

EDMONTON, AB – Matt Jeneroux’s Private Member’s Bill to extend bereavement leave is moving quickly through the Senate, with a committee study scheduled for Wednesday.

The Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology will study Bill C-220 by hearing testimony from Jeneroux and stakeholders about the bill’s potential impact on Canadians.

“This Wednesday’s committee study is a pivotal moment for the bill. We’re thrilled that the Senate has prioritized the bill for such quick study,” said Jeneroux, the Member of Parliament for Edmonton Riverbend.

There may be some amendments to the bill following its committee study, as was the case in the House of Commons.

After the bill’s study, it will be referred back to the Senate for a third and final reading. If the bill passes this reading, it may receive Royal Assent and become Canadian law. If there are amendments proposed at this week’s committee hearings, it will have to be referred back to the House of Commons to consider the amendments before receiving Royal Assent.

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.

Jeneroux is hopeful the bill will have its third reading within the next two weeks.

“Given the upcoming summer break and the possibility of an election in the fall, I’m hopeful we can get this bill passed as soon as possible to help more Canadians when they need it most,” he said.

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