Class Action

Jennifer McCrea and Carissa Kasbohm launched a proposed class action against the federal government alleging that 30 000 to 40 000 women who suffered a serious illness or injury while they were on parental leave after the birth of a child have been unfairly denied Employment Insurance Sickness Benefits (EISB).

This significant proposed class action follows the July 2011 success of Ms Natalya Rougas, a Toronto mother, who won benefits from the federal employment insurance program. Both Rougas and McCrea were diagnosed with breast cancer toward the end of their maternity leave and had double mastectomies, which required several more weeks of recovery. EI officials rejected their claims for additional coverage using the argument that, because of their maternity leave status, they could not demonstrate that they would have been working if otherwise healthy. Rougas won her individual lawsuit on appeal. McCrea was denied EISB benefits despite Rougas’ victory on the same matter.

by: MyClassAction

Mr Stephen Moreau
Cavalluzzo Hayes Shilton McIntyre & Cornish LLP
416-964-5541