Conservatives: Increase parental
leave to 18 months, allowing parents to take up to six months of additional unpaid
leave; allow self - employed parents to earn money without impacting EI payments;
offer choice between full parental
leave EI payments for 35 weeks, or
extend those payments, at a lesser rate, for up to a maximum of 61 weeks; women receiving EI
maternity benefits will also be able to earn employment income under the Working While on Claim pilot project (this is currently permitted for those receiving EI parental benefits).