In Canada, information about maternity leave and parental leave benefits can be found through several key sources, including government websites, employment standards, and employer policies. Here are the main resources where you can find this information:
1. Government of Canada - Employment Insurance (EI)
The Government of Canada provides detailed information about Employment Insurance (EI) benefits, which include both maternity leave and parental leave. The government outlines eligibility requirements, benefit amounts, and the duration of benefits for both maternity and parental leave.
EI Maternity and Parental Benefits: This page offers comprehensive information on:
Maternity Benefits: For mothers who are pregnant or have recently given birth.
Parental Benefits: For parents who are caring for a newborn or newly adopted child.
Eligibility criteria
Duration of benefits
How to apply
2. Canada Labour Code (Federal Jurisdiction)
If you work in a federally regulated industry (e.g., banking, telecommunications), your maternity and parental leave entitlements are governed by the Canada Labour Code.
Maternity Leave: You can take up to 17 weeks of maternity leave if you meet the eligibility criteria.
Parental Leave: After maternity leave, you are entitled to up to 63 weeks of parental leave (if the mother takes maternity leave first), which can be shared between both parents.
3. Provincial and Territorial Government Websites
Each province or territory in Canada has its own specific regulations for maternity and parental leave under its employment standards laws. These laws may vary slightly depending on where you live, such as the duration of leave and the eligibility criteria.
For example:
Ontario: Ontario Employment Standards - Pregnancy and Parental Leave
British Columbia: Employment Standards - Maternity and Parental Leave
Quebec: Régie des rentes du Québec - Parental Leave
4. Employment Standards Act (Provincial or Territorial)
You can also check your specific Employment Standards Act (ESA) or similar provincial/territorial legislation to learn about maternity and parental leave, eligibility, and entitlements based on where you are employed.
These laws set out the minimum standards for maternity and parental leave, such as the length of time you are entitled to take off work, how benefits are structured, and whether your employer will continue to provide group benefits during your leave.
5. Workplace Policies
Your employer’s human resources department may also provide specific details regarding maternity and parental leave benefits, which might include:
Enhanced top-up benefits (employer-paid salary top-ups for EI maternity and parental benefits).
Company-specific leave policies, including the application process and additional supports (e.g., flexible working arrangements after returning from leave).
6. Union Representation (If Applicable)
If you are part of a union, the collective bargaining agreement may include additional maternity or parental leave benefits. Check with your union representative for any extra benefits that might be available beyond the minimum legal requirements.
Key Information Typically Included:
Maternity Leave:
Eligibility: Generally, you must have worked a certain number of hours (e.g., 600 hours) to qualify for EI maternity benefits.
Duration: Maternity leave is usually up to 17 weeks.
EI Benefits: Maternity benefits are usually available for 15 weeks through EI, at a rate of 55% of your average weekly earnings (up to a maximum limit).
Parental Leave:
Eligibility: Parental leave is available to parents who meet certain criteria, such as working a certain number of hours before the leave.
Duration: Typically, parental leave is up to 61 weeks for one parent or shared between both parents for a total of 63 weeks.
EI Benefits: Parental benefits can be standard or extended, with standard benefits being paid for up to 35 weeks (55% of average weekly earnings) or extended benefits for up to 61 weeks (33% of average weekly earnings).
Conclusion:
To access maternity and parental leave benefits in Canada, visit the official websites of Employment Insurance (EI) and your provincial or territorial government, where you can find detailed information on eligibility, the application process, and benefit amounts. Additionally, it’s a good idea to review your employer's leave policies and any collective bargaining agreements to understand the full scope of your rights and benefits.