When can you get maternity or parental leave?
The Employment Standards Act allows employees who have worked for at least 1 year continuously to take:
- maternity leave; and
- parental leave.
How much notice must you give your employer?
- 4 weeks written notice before you want to start the leave; and
- Notice must be in writing.
Maternity leave
Your employer may need a certificate from a:
- doctor;
- nurse practitioner; or
- midwife.
You can take leave if:
- you give birth without notice;
- your pregnancy is terminated; or
- you have health problems related to your pregnancy.
How much leave can you get?
For either maternity or parental leave:
- your employer may offer longer leave than is outlined in the Act; and
- the Act can enforce a longer leave if it's part of your employment contract.
Returning to work
With either leave, your employer must:
- reinstate you to your previous job; or
- put you in a similar position.
Who administers maternity and parental benefits?
The federal Employment Insurance Act administers maternity and parental benefits. For more information, phone Service Canada at 1-800-206-7218.