Updates on wildfire and assistance? Click here for more information.
April 26, 2023 – Ottawa, ONFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEEach week in Ottawa, I am working to bring results for the people of Peace River – Westlockand all Canadians by supporting legislation and policies that strengthen families andcommunities.Last week my Conservative colleague MP Rosemarie Falk introduced Private Member’s Bill C318. I am honoured to support this bill which introduces an additional 15-week benefit foradoptive parents.Maternity and parental benefits provide parents with critical financial support while they care forand bond with their new child. Canada’s current parental benefit system puts families whoadopt at a disadvantage. Conservatives have been the only party that have acknowledged theunique attachment needs of adoptive families and promotes healthy attachment. The proposedadditional 15-week benefit for adoptive eliminates the existing gap in benefits and ensuresgreater equality in the parental benefits landscape.In 2019, there were 52,000 children in care of the province of Alberta. Children in care homesacross Alberta are at risk for many complex issues. Children want to and deserve to be in aloving home where they are safe and valued. That is why I think any legislation that supportsmaking adoption more successful is so important.The importance of adoption in our communities is invaluable. Conservatives previouslyproposed strategies to help Canadian families by offering relief to adoptive parents through taxcredits. We recognize the importance of healthy attachment in strengthening family bonds.Healthy families mean a healthy future for Canadians. Ensuring that parents can spend timehelping their children adjust without financial stress is of the utmost importance.Conservatives are committed to delivering supports that help strengthen Canadian families. Iwill continue to work with my colleagues to support and introduce legislation that will help allCanadian families and their communities thrive.Arnold Viersen, MPPeace River – Westlock