Parents of gravely ill children will get benefits: government

The Harper government intends to make good on a campaign promise to make it easier for parents to stay home and take care of their gravely ill children.

Earlier this month, the prime minister announced an enhanced EI program whereby parents of murdered or missing children would be eligible to receive $350 a week for up to 35 weeks as they cope with the death or disappearance.

According to a spokesperson for Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Diane Finlay, similar legislation is on its way for parents of sick children.

"As a part of our election platform in 2011, the Government committed to reviewing legislation that would provide financial support for parents of victims of crime and for parents of gravely ill children," Alyson Queen said in an email exchange with Yahoo! Canada News Monday.

"On April 20, 2012 Prime Minister Harper announced new support for parents of missing and murdered children.

"We remain committed to providing support for parents of gravely ill children. The policy work is proceeding and legislation is currently being reviewed. We anticipate an announcement in the coming months."

Supporters of such a benefit have argued that it's long overdue, especially considering rising cancer rates. More than 1,500 Canadian children are now diagnosed with the illness every year.

A 2008 McGill University study claimed that at least thirty-nine other countries had already implemented laws that guarantee parents paid leave to address their children's health needs.

Currently, according to the Globe and Mail, Canada only offers a federal compassionate-care benefit which provides up to six weeks of payments to parents who sign a form saying their child is likely to die within the next 26 weeks.

Most parents, however, hold on to the hope that their child will survive.

(Reuters photo of Minister Diane Finley)