Statement - Bill C-13 - An Act to amend the Employment Insurance Act (Fairness for Military Families (Employment Insurance)Act)

Mr. Merv Tweed (Brandon—Souris, CPC): Mr. Speaker, good news bears repeating. I am pleased to inform this House that on Wednesday, Bill C-13, the fairness for military families act, passed through committee with unanimous support.

    This bill would ensure that Canadian Forces members who so proudly serve our country would no longer be prevented from spending quality time with their new children when they return from duty.

    Major Duquette, who originally brought this issue to the attention of the member for Nepean-Carleton, appeared via teleconference from Kabul, Afghanistan, and his wife, Anne, appeared in person. Major Duquette stated that having this bill pass would be the greatest accomplishment of his proud military career, because it would have a lasting impact on the lives of military families.

    I urge all parties to help ensure the swift passage of this bill so that military families can get access to these benefits they so richly deserve.