Scheer Promises EI Tax Credit for New Parents If Conservatives Form Government

Federal Conservative leader Andrew Sheer holds 4-month old Antonio Wang while caregiver Anna Yang watches at a child care facility where he gave an announcement, on August 20, 2019. Christopher Katsarov/The Canadian Press

OTTAWA—Andrew Scheer made a pre-campaign play for parental votes Tuesday as he promised that a Conservative government would introduce a tax credit for new mothers and fathers receiving special employment insurance benefits so they can stay home with a new child.

The government taxes employment insurance benefits for new parents, along with any employer top-up, while on maternity or parental leave, although parents can be in for a surprise at tax time if not enough money was deducted off each payment.