Title: Bill C-243
Author: Sarah McGoldrick
Words: 685
Women are playing a greater role in the construction industry, and taking on duties normally reserved for men. A bill before the House of Commons would help ensure that women are protected when these duties become dangerous as a result of pregnancy.
On June 14, 2017 “The National Maternity Assistance Program Act”, or Bill C-243, received third reading and passed in the House of Commons. The Senate is currently in their second reading of the bill.
If implemented, Bill C-243 would force the Department of Employment and Social Development to create a Maternity Assistance Program from the federal level. The program would focus on improving the benefit structure for women who perform dangerous …show more content…
In other words, the general requirements for EI maternity benefits will not change under this proposed bill.
b) The woman must provide a certificate completed by a medical professional attesting that she cannot perform her current duties or modified work because it may pose a risk to her health or to that of her unborn child (e.g. exposure to fumes, physically demanding work).
c) The employer is unable to modify her job functions or reassign her to another job for each week of unemployment in the period.
The impact of Bill C-243 is expected to reach further than just providing women with additional resources during pregnancy but it also makes trades and skilled work more appealing.
“A lot of women would love to go into trades but hesitate because what happens if you want to have a family? It’s easier in an office environment,” he said.
Though construction is considered hazardous work, it will no longer be prohibitive to women who require more time off or are forced to leave work early due to medical reasons.
“This bill helps to change the lives of women in Canada and helps to steer discussion about gender equality.”
To follow the progress of the bill visit
Author: Sarah McGoldrick
Words: 685
Women are playing a greater role in the construction industry, and taking on duties normally reserved for men. A bill before the House of Commons would help ensure that women are protected when these duties become dangerous as a result of pregnancy.
On June 14, 2017 “The National Maternity Assistance Program Act”, or Bill C-243, received third reading and passed in the House of Commons. The Senate is currently in their second reading of the bill.
If implemented, Bill C-243 would force the Department of Employment and Social Development to create a Maternity Assistance Program from the federal level. The program would focus on improving the benefit structure for women who perform dangerous …show more content…
In other words, the general requirements for EI maternity benefits will not change under this proposed bill.
b) The woman must provide a certificate completed by a medical professional attesting that she cannot perform her current duties or modified work because it may pose a risk to her health or to that of her unborn child (e.g. exposure to fumes, physically demanding work).
c) The employer is unable to modify her job functions or reassign her to another job for each week of unemployment in the period.
The impact of Bill C-243 is expected to reach further than just providing women with additional resources during pregnancy but it also makes trades and skilled work more appealing.
“A lot of women would love to go into trades but hesitate because what happens if you want to have a family? It’s easier in an office environment,” he said.
Though construction is considered hazardous work, it will no longer be prohibitive to women who require more time off or are forced to leave work early due to medical reasons.
“This bill helps to change the lives of women in Canada and helps to steer discussion about gender equality.”
To follow the progress of the bill visit