Amanda Lathlin, NDP MLA for the Pas-Kameesak and critic for Families, has signaled her intention to introduce a bill that would allow parents to take up to three days of paid leave following a miscarriage or still birth.

“Manitobans who experience a miscarriage or stillbirth need time to grieve,” said Lathlin. “But right now in our province, parents have to cut into their sick leave, lose part of their paycheck, or risk their jobs just to take time off to heal. Women and families deserve better. That’s why we are calling on the PC government to act with compassion and legislate paid leave for grieving parents.”

The Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada estimates that 1 in 5 pregnancies end in miscarriage. Ontario, Saskatchewan and Quebec allow women to access a portion of their maternity leave if they miscarry.

Currently in Manitoba, if a woman experiences a miscarriage, she can apply for Federal employment insurance, or maternity benefits if the pregnancy ends after 20 weeks. But there is no full wage replacement available for mothers in Manitoba and no paid leave for their partners. New Zealand recently introduced 3 days of paid bereavement leave for grieving mothers and their partners.

“We have an opportunity to show progressive leadership here in Manitoba by recognizing the grief that so many families face and giving them time to heal without suffering financial hardship,” said NDP Leader Wab Kinew. “We hope the PCs support women and families by passing this bill.”