By Canadian Press

Watchdog worries federal benefit for parents of missing, murdered kids going unused

May 11, 2021 | 11:12 AM

OTTAWA — The federal ombudsman for victims of crime says she remains concerned that financial aid for parents of murdered or missing children remains largely unused despite new and proposed changes to the program.

Heidi Illingworth says the key is raising awareness of the program for families that need it.

The Liberals overhauled the program following a critical review of the benefit by Illingworth’s predecessor in 2018 that showed administrative costs far outstripped the amounts paid to parents.

Additional changes to ease and expand access to the program, and double to 104 weeks the leave available to parents under the Canada Labour Code, are contained in the government’s budget bill currently before the House of Commons.

Illingworth says the budget bill provisions are welcome to bring federal labour laws in line with the revamped benefit.

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She adds that the pandemic may have an impact on the program, just as it has had on many aspects of people’s lives.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 11, 2021.

The Canadian Press