Taking time off work: For new and expecting parents

Summary

If you are going to have a baby or adopt a child, Ontario law says you can take time off work without losing your job. This is called taking a leave.

If you are going to have a baby or adopt a child, Ontario law says you can take time off work without losing your job. This is called taking a leave.

Your employer does not have to pay you during a leave. But they have to give you back your job, or a similar job, when you return.

If you have worked enough hours to qualify for Employment Insurance (EI), you can get EI benefits for some of the time you are on leave. You can get up to a maximum of $668 a week.

There are 2 types of leaves and benefits for new parents.

Parental leave and benefits are for parents who have a newborn child or who have just adopted a child. For adopting parents, the child can be any age under 18.

Pregnancy leave and maternity benefits are only for people who are pregnant or who have just given birth.

For a summary of what leaves and EI benefits you can get, read the chart here.

This resource has 3 parts:

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