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Looking Beyond the Surface: An In-Depth Review of Parental Benefits: Phase II

This initiative will address the issue of women’s economic autonomy by building on the original research reflective of the current parental benefits legislation. During the first phase of the project, we conducted original research that included the following:

  • conducting focus groups and surveys with women across Atlantic Canada,
  • Discussions with equality-seeking women’s organizations across Atlantic Canada,
  • Conducting a comprehensive review of the literature including equity issues from a statistical perspective
  • Looking at where Canada stands on the international stage, and
  • Putting parental benefits into a social context.
The research conducted in the first phase of this project shows that even though these positive changes are appreciated by some women and their families, it is a benefit not equally accessible to all women and their families. For example, this policy is not equitable for women working seasonal jobs, women are employed part-time or underemployed, women with temporary jobs, women who hold more than one job, and women who do contract work and cannot contribute to Employment Insurance, and teen mothers, to name a few.

Atlantic Canada was the perfect place to start the review and consultation process. Both women and equality-seeking women’s organizations were quick to be involved in the process and provide us with a glimpse at their experiences with this benefit. Seven key messages emerged from the focus group responses:

1. Many eligible parents cannot make full use of this valuable resource,
2. Many Atlantic Canada parents were either not eligible or found it difficult to take advantage of this benefit,
3. Access to adequately paid parental benefits plays a big part in decision-making to have children,
4. Access to adequately paid parental benefits impacts on the health of women, children and families,
5. Access to adequately paid parental benefits contributes to women’s economic and home equality,
6. Parents need more and better information about parental leave, and
7. There are inequities in the EI system that denies much needed support to many Atlantic Canadian children and families.

The initial initiative examined the broad implications and the equitability of the new parental benefits legislation. Phase II will now take the research findings and analysis and use them as the basis of developing policy options and recommendations towards a more equitable system.

GOAL:

To explore policy options and recommendations regarding the federal parental benefits legislation based on the findings of the Phase I research, so that it’s more equitable for all women, especially the most vulnerable and marginalized in our society.

OBJECTIVES:

1. Building and Supporting Partnerships:
To expand partnerships that will act in an advisory capacity for the project. This will include advising on the project’s process, developing the strategic plan that will guide the exploration of policy options and advocating for policy changes.

2. Explore Policy Options and Recommendations:
To explore policy options and recommendations for the federal parental benefits legislation by using our Phase I research as a guide or lens.

3. Challenging Institutions with Recommendations Regarding Policy Change:
To bring policy options and recommendations to appropriate government officials and policy makers.

To link to the webpage for Phase I, click here.


Women's Network Office
located at 40 Enman Crescent, in Charlottetown

mailing address:
P.O. Box 233,
Charlottetown, PEI C1A 7K4

phone: (902) 368-5040
fax: (902) 368-5039
e-mail: wnpei@wnpei.org


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