Canadian Payroll Guide

Parental Leave & Benefits

Employees having a baby or adopting are entitled to parental leave. Our guide on parental leave entitlements and benefits breaks down what you need to know about parental leave benefits and how they differ from province to province.

What is parental leave?

Parental leave is the length of family leave (maternity, parental, and adoptive) an employee is entitled. During this time, an employer is required to hold the employee’s job while they are on leave.

Who is entitled to parental leave?

Parental leave and the associated benefits are provided to parents who are caring for a newborn or newly adopted child. Employers must provide the minimum number of weeks for maternity, parental and adoption leave. The length of parental leave varies by type (maternity vs parental/adoptive) as well as by province or territory.

What are parental leave benefits?

Employment Insurance (EI) maternity and parental benefits provide financial assistance to:

  • People who are away from work because they're pregnant or have recently given birth
  • Parents who are away from work to care for their newborn or newly adopted child

How benefits are calculated depends on several factors, including average weekly insurable earnings, up to a maximum amount, as well provincial legislation*.

Additional Resources

2024 Parental Leave Entitlements

The following table outlines maternity, parental, and adoptive leave entitlements by province:

Jurisdiction
Length of Leave (Weeks)
Maternity
Parental/Adoptive
Federal
15
61
16
62
17
63
17
63
17
62
17
61
17
61
16
61
17
37
17
61-63
17
62
18
65
19
59 Parental
19 Adoptive
17
63

‍

2024 Parental Benefits

The following table outlines parental benefits* by duration, rate, and maximums:

Benefit
Maximum Weeks
Benefit Rate
Weekly Maximum
Maternity** (for the person giving birth)
Up to 15 weeks
55%
Up to $668
Standard parental
Up to 40 weeks can be shared between parents, but one parent cannot receive more than 35 weeks of standard benefits
55%
Up to $668
Extended parental
Up to 69 weeks can be shared between parents, but one parent cannot receive more than 61 weeks of extended benefits
33%
Up to $401

*The Province of Québec provides maternity, paternity, parental, and adoption benefits to its residents. For more information, see the Québec Parental Insurance Plan.

**Maternity benefits can be followed by parental benefits. Employees can apply for both at once.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide is for informational purposes only. It is not professional financial or legal advice nor is it intended to be a substitute therefore. Where there are discrepancies between the guide and information provided by the federal government, provincial government, or the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) or Revenu Québec, defer to the guidelines provided by the governing agencies.
EI/QPIP InformationFederal & Provincial Tax Credits

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