Ontarians with sick children or an ill spouse might soon be able to spend more time caring for their ailing family members if Premier Dalton McGuinty's Liberal government is re-elected.
Right now, Ontarians are entitled to an eight-week unpaid leave of absence to take care of relatives that are terminally ill.
The premier announced Tuesday that he hopes to extend the province's current medical leave program to Ontarians with family members who are sick or seriously injured.
The length of the leave period would remain at eight weeks.
"It is unpaid leave, but it allows you to be with that family member, that loved one, during that time that is so important to you and to them," he told reporters.
Standing before a crowd of reporters, the premier also called on the federal government to extend employment insurance for those who take advantage of the proposed Family Caregiver Leave as they do for Ontarians who take Family Medical Leave.
A doctor's note would be required to qualify for the program, the government said in a news release. If the loved one's condition became terminal, people could then apply for Family Medical Leave, it said.
McGuinty -- whose election campaign is emphasizing health, education and green energy -- made the announcement at Ronald McDonald House, a charity that supports families of seriously ill children.
Opposition reaction
A Progressive Conservative MPP said the McGuinty government has fumbled its handling of the caregiver leave proposal.
"He's obviously not talked to the federal government. I'd be embarrassed if I was him," said Jim Wilson. He's basically saying 'Take eight weeks off, fend for yourself and without legislation, we'll make sure you keep your job.'"
The NDP said most Ontario families can't afford unpaid leave. "So a plan for unpaid leave is one that leaves a lot of families still in the lurch," said party Leader Andrea Horwath.
Ontario's eligible voters will get to choose a new provincial government on Oct. 6.
Polling done by Nanos Research for CTV News, CP24 and the Globe and Mail indicates that health care is the top issue for Ontarians. The economy and jobs is growing in importance, while high taxes come in third place.
The poll, conducted between Aug. 10 and 13, has the Progressive Conservatives leading the Liberals 42 per cent to about 38 per cent. The New Democrats trail at about 16 per cent. The margin of error is plus or minus 3.4 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
When asked who would make the best premier, McGuinty ended up in a statistical tie with Tory Leader Tim Hudak. Both had support in the 30-per-cent rate.
Hudak has been campaigning on the theme of change, getting tough on crime, and reducing government fees and taxes.
NDP Leader Andrea Horwath trailed with 12 per cent support.
With a report from CTV Toronto's Austin Delaney and files from The Canadian Press
