Parental leave refers to the interruption or reduction of work benefits enjoyed by parents upon the arrival of a newborn child, or when a child is adopted.
Who Is Eligible for Parental Leave?
In Canada, all workers are eligible for parental leave, provided they have worked at least 600 insurable hours in the last 12 months or since their last application.
In Quebec, all salaried workers and self-employed workers who have paid into the RQAP (Quebec Parental Insurance Plan) are eligible for parental leave. In Canada, the maximum duration of parental leave is 63 weeks. Parental leave is added to maternity or paternity leave.
How Does Parental Leave Work?
In Canada, employees are entitled to parental leave of up to 63 weeks, to be taken within 78 weeks of the birth or adoption of a child. Parents must submit an application to employment insurance.
In Quebec, parents can take parental leave as soon as the child is born, and no later than 78 weeks after the birth, with certain exceptions. Some parental benefits can be shared between parents, while others cannot. Parents must apply to the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan to be entitled to the benefit.
How Long Is Parental Leave?
In Canada, the maximum duration of parental leave is 63 weeks.
In Quebec, the maximum duration of parental leave is 65 consecutive weeks.
Can an Employer Refuse Parental Leave?
Parental leave cannot be refused by an employer if the conditions are met. Parental leave is a right in Canada.
Who Pays Employees on Parental Leave?
In Canada, employment insurance pays benefits to parents based on their salary.
In Quebec, the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan pays benefits to parents. Benefits vary according to the parents’ salary.
What Is the Difference Between Parental Leave, Maternity Leave and Paternity Leave?
Parental leave can be granted to either the mother or father of the child.
Maternity leave is typically granted to the person who is the child’s mother.
Paternity leave is typically granted to the person who is the child’s father.
