What Are the Maternity, Paternity, and Family Leave Regulations in Canada?

In Canada, employees are entitled to various types of unpaid leave to support them during significant life events, such as the birth or adoption of a child, or the need to care for a family member with serious medical conditions. These leaves are designed to provide job protection and financial support during challenging times. Below is an overview of maternity, paternity, and family leave in Canada.


Maternity/Pregnancy Leave

Maternity or pregnancy leave provides unpaid leave for women who are expecting a baby. This leave allows the mother to take time off work before and after childbirth.

  • Duration: Employees are entitled to 17 weeks of maternity leave, which can be taken as:
    • Up to 13 weeks before the expected birth date (but not earlier than 13 weeks before the due date).
    • Up to 17 weeks after the birth of the child.

Maternity leave provides employees with job protection, meaning they are entitled to return to their previous position or an equivalent role after the leave ends.


Parental Leave

Parental leave is available to both parents and is designed to provide time off to care for and bond with a newborn or newly adopted child.

  • Duration: Employees are entitled to up to 63 weeks of parental leave within 78 weeks following the birth or adoption of the child.
  • If the employee has taken maternity leave, the duration of parental leave is reduced to 61 weeks.

Parental leave can be taken by either parent or shared between them, providing flexibility for families to manage childcare responsibilities.


Family Compassionate Leave

Family compassionate leave is unpaid leave for employees who need to take time off to care for a close family member with a serious medical condition and a significant risk of death.

  • Duration: Employees are entitled to up to 28 weeks of compassionate care leave within a 52-week period.

This leave provides families with the ability to care for a loved one who is critically ill, ensuring job protection while they take time off to fulfill their caregiving responsibilities.

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