Bill would transfer EI, tax benefits to grandparents caring for grandkids

OTTAWA – A New Democrat MP is aiming to help grandparents who suddenly find themselves caring full time for their grandchildren.

Claude Gravelle’s private member’s bill would qualify grandparents to receive Employment Insurance benefits to raise a grandchild under five.

It also proposes changes to the Income Tax Act to let grandparents claim child-care deductions that are currently only available to a low-income spouse.

Gravelle says the number of grandparents raising their own grandkids has grown dramatically over the last two decades.

The 2011 census indicated at least 75,000 children were being raised by their grandparents, a 20 per cent jump from 2006.

Private member’s bills rarely pass through the House of Commons to become law.