My name is Nadine and I am a proud mom of spontaneous triplets. I know firsthand how challenging the early years with multiples can be. Our journey began with nearly two months spent in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), followed by numerous appointments and specialized care that our triplets required. Many people assume that there are special considerations for EI benefits in place for parents of multiples, but this is unfortunately not the case.

In Canada, parents of singleton children receive separate maternity and parental leave for each child. This means that if a family has two children born as singletons, they may be entitled to two 18-month parental leaves. However, parents of multiples, who equally contribute to Employment Insurance (E.I.), only receive parental benefits for one 18-month period, regardless of the additional care and attention their children require.

The current system does not adequately recognize or support the unique challenges and financial pressures faced by families with multiples. Expanding parental leave benefits for parents of twins, triplets, and higher-order multiples, both in terms of longer leave durations and increased financial compensation, would make a significant positive impact. It would help parents provide the best possible start for their children, ensuring they receive the care and nurturing they deserve during their crucial early development.

Statistics indicate that approximately 3% of all births are multiples, and these families often face increased medical expenses, childcare costs, and the burden of meeting each child's needs simultaneously. Studies highlight the significant emotional and financial toll on parents of multiples, with higher rates of postpartum depression and financial strain reported.

Parents who have singletons potentially have the opportunity to take EI parental leave benefits for each child, even if they have 3 children back to back. If a mother/parent of singletons has 3 children and they extend their leave after each pregnancy to 18 months with an each singleton birth they can have up to 216 weeks of maternity leave in total.  Also for each parental leave, the mother/ parent  would be eligible for the financial supplement of at least $401/week if the choose the expended 18 months option. Therefore over the span of their 18 months of leaves they are entitled to approximately $86,616 for 3 children. 

However, because the current program  specifies “per pregnancy” a mother of triplets is only eligible for the max extended 18 months, because she had her 3 babies at the same time. On top of this, the current program won’t allow both parents of multiples to utilize full EI benefits, even if both are eligible based on hours and paying into the EI program, despite having multiple babies, because of the “per pregnancy” clause. Lastly, a mother of triplets who did the extended 18 months leave would only be entitled to approximately $28, 872.

To address this imbalance, I propose that parental leave policies be revised to offer additional leave and benefits tailored for parents of multiples. Such changes would not only alleviate financial stress but also promote better health and well-being for parents and children alike.

In order for this petition to be presented in the House of Commons, it needs to be authorized by a member of parliament and receive a minimum of 500 certified signatures. I am calling on my fellow Canadians, especially those who have experienced the joys and hardships of raising multiples, to join me in advocating for this change. Let's ensure that all parents, regardless of the number of children they bring into the world at once, receive the support and recognition they truly deserve.

Please sign this petition to support increased parental leave benefits for parents of multiples. Together, we can make a difference for families across Canada.