Alberta government to amending its bereavement bill

EDMONTON - The Alberta government is amending its bereavement bill following criticism that it allowed leave for stillbirths and miscarriages but was silent on abortions.

Labour Minister Kaycee Madu (KAY'-see MAH'-doo) has introduced a change to the bill that, if passed, would allow for three days unpaid leave in any pregnancy that doesn't end in a live birth.

Madu says he has heard concerns from critics and other stakeholders to make the definition as broad as possible. Opposition N-D-P critic Sarah Hoffman says the change doesn't go far enough, and the United Conservative government must spell out leave for abortion to make sure there is no confusion.

The bill took on heightened significance last week when a leaked draft decision indicated the U-S Supreme Court may overturn the law that guarantees the right to an abortion. N-D-P Leader Rachel Notley says leaders in Canada must be vigilant to ensure such a decision does not take root here and deprive Canadian women of their reproductive rights.