My wife runs a small business.  When she had our child 4 years ago (c-section), she took about one month "maternity" leave from her business to recover and be with our daughter.  During that time, the business still had to run, so I had to step up on her behalf - on top of my regular day job & being a new parent myself.  After that one month, she had to "re-integrate" herself back into her business while caring for our child.  

As a small business owner, she could have opted into the EI program for maternity leave.  However, the reality is that most small business owners cannot take a year off of work.  Nor could they probably find someone able to manager their business for them.  

We realize that it was our choice to have a child and one we made gladly.  But, people should realize the benefits that employees get that we don't.  Small business owners are obligated to give their employees a year off, hold their job for them, and pay for part of their leave (employer EI contributions).