Workplace issue
She also said CBCN is hoping to work with unions and employers to help ease employees into the workplace, be it on a part-time basis. Often, Ms. Chaffey said employers have told people coming back from breast cancer they do not feel an employee is ready to return.
In her own case, Ms. Chaffey said she was fortunate to work for an employer who was willing to give her part-time work after eight months away from work.
“Not everybody has that, and it’s too bad. I know people who have lost their jobs because of breast cancer.”
Ms. Chaffey said the group’s day in Ottawa was productive and positive, and she hopes they will look at the issue now that they know about some of the facts surrounding the economic impact of breast cancer.
She also managed to bump into Bonavista-Gander-Grand Falls-Windsor MP Scott Simms. Due to a busy work schedule since then, she has been unable to meet with Mr. Simms, but Ms. Chaffey does plan on meeting with him soon, as well as Minister Kevin O’Brien to discuss how provincial health measures might help breast cancer patients.
Mr. Simms introduced a new bill to Ottawa in June looking to increase EI sickness benefits to 30 weeks and to reduce eligibility requirements. The proposed amendment to the Employment Insurance Act received its first reading June 14.
Ms. Chaffey said anybody can become a survivor advocate if they choose to do so. For her, the motivation comes from her desire to see that her daughter and granddaughter never have to go through what she did.
“My grandmother had breast cancer 34 years ago, and unfortunately, she passed away. There’s so much now that if you have a breast cancer diagnosis, it’s not a death sentence anymore. It doesn’t have to be because of the research that has been done, and hopefully more research will find a cure for it. My daughter and my granddaughter keep me yapping.”
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