Duration and extension
Parental leave may begin as of the week of newborn’s birth, or when a parent leaves work to pick up a child adopted outside of Quebec.
Parental leave must end no later than 70 weeks after the birth of a newborn, or the arrival of an adopted child. The law provides for certain conditions that can extend parental leave up to 104 weeks.
All leave must be taken continuously, unless otherwise consented to by the employer.
In the event that a newborn or adopted child experiences health problems, an employee may request that their parental leave be divided into several blocks.
Income during parental leave
Eligible parents can also receive benefits under the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan (QPIP) during parental leave. However, benefits may cover only part of the 52 weeks of eligible leave.
Employment protection and acquired
During leave, an employee retains their right to resume his or her position upon return. If desired, an employee can also continue contributing to employer benefit programs, which an employer will also continue contributing too, as they would in normal circumstances.
However, parental leave weeks are not included in calculation of annual vacation eligibility, as is the case for maternity and paternity leave.
For more information on parental leave
Maternity, Paternity and Parental Leave
