Expectant mothers say they can’t get CERB

Crossover between EI and emergency benefit causes headaches

OTTAWA—Nearly one month ago, Effie Pool was laid off from her job as a server when the restaurant she worked at in Burlington closed due to COVID-19.

The 35-year-old mother of one is still waiting to qualify for federal emergency aid and told the reason she hasn’t got it is that she’s pregnant.

The Canadian Press has connected with multiple expectant mothers who tell a similar story: they were laid off from their jobs in March, qualified for employment insurance benefits, then stumbled during the promised crossover to the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) when it became available this month.

“There are lots of us. It’s not just me,” said Amanda Hoedt of Comox, B.C.

“If you applied to the CERB, it’s fine. If you applied for EI first ... none of us has been paid.”

Poole said she doesn’t think it’s anything malicious, perhaps an oversight, but it’s one that she and other women in her position are hoping is quickly fixed.

“We’re just waiting, waiting, waiting,” she said.

When the CERB was unveiled this month, the Liberals said anyone who had previously applied for EI since March 15 would be moved to the new 16week benefit, but needed to reapply starting this week to continue receiving it.

One of the stipulations is that anyone who receives maternity and parental benefits can’t also receive the CERB, which for Jennifer Mitton isn’t the case since she’s not due to give birth to her first child until August.

The 27-year-old was laid off from her job as a hairstylist on March 16, out of financial and health concerns. She and her co-workers immediately applied for EI.

When the CERB rolled out, she was the only one among her colleagues not moved over the $2,000-a-month benefit. When she called Service Canada, she was told it was linked to her having identified herself as being pregnant in her online EI application.

She was told instead of taking the CERB, she would have to start her maternity-leave claim now.

“All I wanted to do was switch over to CERB ... and then switch to maternity leave once I gave birth so I could get my full year, but I’m unable to do that and I’m essentially taking my maternity leave now,” said Mitton, who lives in Calgary.

Anyone who was previously on EI would have their entitlement period paused while on the CERB. Expecting mothers then could get financial help and not worry that they wouldn’t be able to stay at home for a full year with their infant.