By The Canadian Press

OTTAWA - The federal government has introduced a bill that would extend Employment Insurance benefits to the self-employed, including maternity, parental, sickness and compassionate care.

Human Resources Minister Diane Finley says self-employed Canadians "should not have to choose between their family and their business responsibilities."

She calls the move "one of the most significant enhancements to the EI program in the last decade."

Under the proposed legislation, the self-employed could voluntarily opt into the EI program and receive the same special benefits now available to salaried employees.

Finley estimates there are 2.6 million self-employed Canadians.

It's the latest in a series of measures proposed or adopted since the economic downturn, including longer EI benefits, more efficient service, and support for training.