May 15, 2006:Kramp wants to extend EI Benefits for the Sick

Ottawa- Prince Edward-Hastings MP, Daryl Kramp, introduced, today in the House of Commons, a Private Members’ Bill entitled Convalescence Benefits Act.

The bill, if passed, would provide for an additional 35 weeks of employment insurance benefits to individuals convalescing from a serious health issue and unable to work after exhausting their sick benefits.

"Recovering from a serious health matter is stressful enough without having to worry about meeting financial obligations." Kramp added, "I want to eliminate the gap between sick benefits and disability pension that leaves too many people without any source of income."

Kramp explained that after collecting the maximum 15 weeks of sick benefits, a person can only apply for a disability pension if their health problems are permanent. Individuals who are expected to make a full recovery, those convalescing, do not qualify leaving them without income protection.

According to Kramp, there are a number of people in the local area who, while battling serious health issues such as cancer, find they are without any income protection.
"Many of these people have worked their whole lives. They deserve better than to be abandoned and told to fend for themselves after 15 weeks," said Kramp.

-30-

This is long overdue.

Daryl Kramp is the MP for the riding of Hastings-Prince Edward and represents the Conservative Party of Canada. So far, Daryl Kramp has done well as our MP, and efforts like this are to be commended. Unfortunately, he represents a party that I feel should not be supported.

Judging so far, he is a reasonable man with good intentions, but he is with the wrong party. Come to the PC Daryl... you never seemed to fit well with the Alliance.