There is a separate pandemic of new moms like myself, finding themselves not approved for Maternity and Parental EI benefits, because we lack the required 420 hours worked in the last 52 weeks before applying. 

I was told "I am sorry, but you do not qualify. If you want to fight this decision, you will have to go all the way to the top with this issue." So here I am, starting that process. 

I would have worked if I could- but we were forced out of our jobs due to a global virus pandemic. If I had gotten pregnant a year earlier- none of this would be an issue. I would be approved for EI, and get to enjoy my new baby without the stress of how to pay for rent, let alone groceries. 

The solution: why not simply look at the hours worked PRIOR to the pandemic. 420 hours is pretty easy to accumulate in normal circumstances working in a restaurant. But 2020 was a SPECIAL circumstance, and requires special attention and exceptions to rules. 

I was advised that "EI is an old system, and they are looking into the issue." Meanwhile, you are leaving women and their children high and dry. Our family cannot survive off of one salary. My partner also works in the restaurant industry, and was off work for quite some time as well. Borrowing from friends and family has been our reality, but It isn't sustainable. We were reliant on receiving those benefits.

The representative I spoke to said I could still get approval for Parental EI if I somehow work the required hours in the next few months, then I can collect benefits for the remaining months up until my child turns 1 years old. But doesn't that defeat the purpose of having the first year of your child's life OFF work to be with them and get to know each other? And I would have to pay someone else to watch my child. Sure its an option, but it's a terrible one. 

I have been working since I was 15 years old- I am now 32. I think I have put in my fair share of EI contributions from each pay cheque. 

When we were locked down the first time, I didn’t want to get a different job because I loved my job; the hours, the pay, and most importantly the people I worked with. The pandemic was only supposed to last a couple weeks, who knew it would be the better part of two years...

When I became pregnant, my boss was happy to keep me on part-time until I wasn't able to work any longer. But then we were locked down for the third time. Who’s going to hire a pregnant woman, that will be off work in a few months for maternity leave? I wasn't about to lie in order to get hired by a new company.

I worked when I could in the past two years, but it wasn't enough to acquire the hours needed. CERB barely covered my rent and bills- leaving my reliant on my partners savings account for groceries; So, I would have MUCH preferred to be working. 

I am quite shocked that this is a decision our government has made. I cannot nod my head and say "I understand" and step aside quietly. I don't think new moms deserve to be penalized by a decision that was out of our control. If the children are our future, doesn't that start with the mothers who raise them? Who is taking care of them? 

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