Provide family caregivers with renovation loan and six months of EI leave

While campaigning in Winnipeg, MB, on April 5, NDP Leader Jack Layton promised to establish a forgivable loan program for families caring for a sick or aging relative, to allow Canadians to take up to six months leave to care for a relative, and to bring in a caregiver benefit aimed at helping low-and middle-income families caring for aging relatives. The Forgivable Loan Program would allow family caregivers to apply for a loan covering half of the costs associated with renovating a home so that an aging relative can move in. Layton also promised to fix an EI loophole that makes parents ineligible for benefits once they return to work from maternity or paternity leave.