this planet need fewer people - fullstop.  EI costs everyone.  The real cost is disruption to the workplace as we have to recruit people and tell them they will likely be fired in 1 year's time (I've had to put up with the tears when that happens).  You think there are highly skilled workers just sitting around waiting to take a job that only lasts one year and done??  Then we have to spend a lot of money training them, putting up with weak production while they learn the ropes , and often there is a merrygoround of temp workers who can never do the job like an experienced long time employee.  Maternity leave is a heavy burden and a big weakness in our economy.  Making it 18 months is truly a nightmare scenerio.  6 months would be fair, and generous enough.