The text below has been copied from the Service Canada Employment Insurance Compassionate Care Benefits publication
One of the most difficult times for anyone is when a loved one is dying or at risk of death. The demands of caring for a gravely ill family member can jeopardize both your job and the financial security of your family. The Government of Canada believes that, during such times, you should not have to choose between keeping your job and caring for your family.
Compassionate care benefits are Employment Insurance (EI) benefits paid to people who have to be away from work temporarily to provide care or support to a family member who is gravely ill and who has a significant risk of death within 26 weeks (six months). A maximum of six weeks of compassionate care benefits may be paid to eligible people.
The following pdf publication answers questions you may have about compassionate care benefits, including who is eligible and how to apply for these benefits: http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/ei/publications/compassionate.pdf
Service Canada administers the Employment Insurance program. For information about all Employment Insurance benefits, visit the Service Canada Web site at www.servicecanada.gc.ca.