Advertisement

Trudeau promises $190M to expand compassionate care benefit

WATCH ABOVE: Justin Trudeau says Liberal government would introduce a ‘more flexible’ employment insurance compassionate care benefit

VICTORIA – -Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau is promising to lower the government’s eligibility requirements for Canadians needing help to care for a sick loved one.

If elected, Trudeau says a Liberal government would invest $190 million to expand the compassionate care benefit and make it accessible to any Canadian looking after a seriously ill family member.

Speaking at a campaign stop in Victoria, Trudeau said the expanded program wouldn’t lead to Canadians paying higher employment insurance premiums.

Breaking news from Canada and around the world sent to your email, as it happens.

WATCH: With his position on the Keystone XL pipeline well known, Liberal leader Justin Trudeau was asked Thursday what his position is on the Enbridge and Trans Mountain pipelines.

Trudeau says under a Liberal government, the six-month benefit could also be claimed incrementally over a one-year period.

Story continues below advertisement

The Liberal party traditionally hasn’t performed well on Vancouver Island, though Trudeau appears to be looking to gain traction in the southern region, where there’s been a historical spattering of support.

The party hasn’t been represented on the Island since its last M-P stepped down in 2011, after which they were soundly trounced in a tight two-way race between the Conservatives and the N-D-P.

Sponsored content

AdChoices