Maternity and Parental Leave in Canada

In Canada, the federal government provides Employment Insurance (EI) maternity and parental leave benefits to support new parents—whether through birth or adoption—while they take time away from work. Between April and September 2025, there were over 304,000 recipients of either parental or maternity leave benefits in Canada.

If your team member is welcoming a little one to the world, it’s important you understand not only how EI maternity and parental leave benefits work, but also how they differ.

To remain compliant with employment standards, and to better support employees during a significant life event. This guide will explain everything you need to know, from eligibility and what EI maternity benefits entail, to procedures, notice periods, and more.

What is Employment Insurance for maternity and parental benefits?

Employment Insurance (EI) is a type of employee benefit designed to support people who are out of work through no fault of their own. In most cases, this covers people who are unemployed but actively seeking work. However, for maternity and parental leave, EI also offers support for eligible parents who are away from work to care for a newborn or newly adopted child.

In Canada, maternity benefits are exclusively for people who are pregnant or have recently given birth, while parental benefits can be shared between parents. This financial support aims to help ease the burden on families during this important time, allowing them to focus on childcare and bonding.

What’s the eligibility for maternity or parental leave benefits in Canada?

To be eligible for maternity or parental leave benefits, you must:

• have worked at least 600 insured hours in the 52 weeks before your claim (or since your last claim, if shorter), or be self-employed and registered for access to the EI program.
• show that your regular weekly earnings have dropped by at least 40% for one full week or more.
• be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN).

In addition, you must:

• be pregnant or have recently given birth to receive maternity leave pay, or
• be a parent caring for a newborn or newly adopted child to receive parental leave pay.

How long is maternity leave in Canada?

In Canada, maternity leave provides up to 15 weeks of benefits exclusively for individuals who are giving birth. People can begin their maternity leave as early as 12 weeks before their expected due date, and it can extend up to 17 weeks after the actual date of birth, for a total of 15 weeks.

Employees are generally required to give their employer written notice of their intention to take maternity leave. While the requirements vary by province and employment standards for when to apply for maternity leave, most employees must provide at least four weeks’ notice before their planned start date to ensure a smooth transition.

What is parental leave and how long is it?

Parental leave provides financial support and job protection for parents caring for their newborn or newly adopted child. Unlike maternity leave, which is exclusively for the birthing parent, parental leave can be shared between both parents.

Types of parental leave available in Canada:

• Standard Parental Leave:
  • up to 40 weeks of benefits, which can be shared between parents (max 35 weeks for one parent)
  • 55% of average weekly insurable earnings, up to $638/week
  • must be claimed within 52 weeks of the child’s birth or adoption

• Extended Parental Leave:
  • up to 69 weeks of benefits, shared (max 61 weeks for one parent)
  • 33% of average weekly insurable earnings, up to $383/week
  • must be claimed within 78 weeks of the child’s birth or adoption

How and when to apply for EI for maternity and parental leave?

To access EI benefits for maternity and parental leave, your employee must first apply online through the Government of Canada's website. The application confirms their eligibility and takes about an hour to complete, as it requires detailed information.

It's a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For maternity benefits, they can start receiving payments up to 12 weeks before your due date. However, you cannot receive benefits more than 17 weeks after the week you were expected to give birth. Early application helps ensure your employee receives the full amount of benefits available.

What are employer responsibilities with EI, maternity leave and parental leave?

As an employer in Canada, you have several responsibilities regarding EI, maternity, and parental leave. Key considerations include:

• Records of Employment (ROE): Provide employees with an ROE promptly. This document is essential for applying for EI maternity or parental benefits.
• Understanding legislation: Be familiar with both federal EI laws and provincial employment standards, which govern job protection and leave entitlements.
• Job protection: Ensure the employee’s position (or a comparable role) is available when they return from leave.
• Benefits continuation: Maintain employee benefits, such as health and dental coverage, during leave as required by law or company policy.
• Employer top-ups (optional): You may choose to supplement EI payments to bring an employee’s income closer to their regular salary during leave.
• Flexible work arrangements: Consider offering options such as reduced hours or remote work to support parents returning to work.
• Returning to work: Communicate with employees before they return to discuss any workplace changes or adjustments needed for a smooth transition.

By understanding these responsibilities, employers can support employees during maternity and parental leave while remaining compliant with federal and provincial regulations.

Maternity and parental leave FAQs

How much is maternity and parental leave pay?

Maternity pay in Canada, for the person giving birth, provide up to 15 weeks of pay at 55% of average weekly insurable earnings, up to a maximum of $695 per week. Parental benefits can be shared between parents:

• Standard Parental Benefits: Up to 40 weeks (one parent can receive a maximum of 35 weeks) at 55% of earnings, up to $695/week.
• Extended Parental Benefits: Up to 69 weeks (one parent can receive a maximum of 61 weeks) at 33% of earnings, up to $417/week.

How do you calculate maternity pay?

The exact amount of maternity pay your employee could be eligible for will vary depending on their average weekly insurable earnings and whether benefits are shared. They can use the parental and maternity leave calculator from the Canadian government to work out what they are likely to receive.

What are the returning to work after maternity leave laws in Canada?

There are various laws that Canadian employers must follow after their employees return from maternity leave. Employers must:

• reinstate the employee in the same or a comparable role with the same pay and benefits.
• maintain employee benefits during leave.
• not terminate employees because they are on or eligible for maternity or parental leave.

These protections ensure employees can return to work without penalty.