Ottawa won't appeal ruling that EI rules discriminated against new mothers

Ottawa will not appeal a Federal Court of Appeal ruling that Employment Insurance (EI) rules discriminated against mothers who lost their jobs during or shortly after maternity leave. Six women, backed by Montreal's Mouvement Action Chômage, challenged rules that denied regular benefits because time on maternity or parental leave did not count toward recent work requirements. The federal government has until next September to change the law and says it will work on solutions over the coming year. The advocacy group estimates thousands of women are affected annually. With hundreds of claims pending, their lawyer says they could be reconsidered.