Parental leave is a crucial part of raising a family for the modern parent. It provides the opportunity to bond with your newborn and make the transition to parenthood easier. But navigating the parental leave system in Quebec can be a daunting task. Luckily, this guide provides all the answers you need to understand the parental leave system in Quebec and make the most of your time off.
Overview of the Quebec parental leave system
All Canadian parents can take time off work to care for a new child. You may be entitled to parental leave benefits through the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan (QPIP). You can take parental leave anytime within the first year after your child's birth or adoption. If you adopt a child, you can take parental leave anytime within the first year after the child becomes your child.
The amount of time you can take off depends on your situation. Quebec has three distinct parental leave systems: maternity leave, paternity leave, and parental leave. Let's break down these systems to see which applies to your situation.
Maternity leave
If you are pregnant or have recently given birth, you'll be entitled to maternity leave. Maternity leave can start anytime after 16 weeks of pregnancy and must end 20 weeks after the birth of the child. The maximum amount a mother has for maternity leave is 18 weeks.
Paternity leave
Paternity leave applies for biological fathers and is taken after the child is born. It can begin from the week the child is born and end 5 weeks after it has begun.
Parental leave
Parental leave applies to biological or adoptive parents. Both parents are eligible for parental leave and it can either be taken at the same time. Biological parents can begin their parental leave the week the child is born. The leave will then end 78 weeks at the latest after the child is born. For adoptive parents, the leave begins the week you receive or pick up the child, and ends 78 weeks after that date. The maximum amount of weeks you can consecutively take is 68.
Total length of leave in Quebec
Because there are three different types of leave in Quebec, a biological mother may be able to take her maternity leave in addition to parental leave. A biological father may be able to take paternity leave on top of parental leave as well. The amount of time you take fully depends on your personal situation, though it may not exceed the amounts specified above.
Quebec parental leave benefits
Unfortunately, employers are not required to pay you when you go on maternity or paternity leave — though some will do so anyway at a fraction of what you’re normally paid. However, you can apply for the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan (QPIP).
You would be eligible for the QPIP if you live in Quebec, your salary decreased by a minimum of 40%, had an income of at least 2000$ in the last year, contributed to the QPIP, and had or adopted a child.
There are two different types of plans that you can choose from when it comes to QPIP: the basic and the special plan. It’s up to you to choose the one you would benefit the most from. If you aren’t planning on taking a long leave, then a special plan is right for you. If you want to take the most time off as you possibly can, then the basic plan is for you.
Below is a chart detailing the number of weeks at the percentages of income for biological parents.
| Maternity Leave | Paternity Leave | Parental leave | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Plan | 18 weeks at 70% | 5 weeks at 70% | 7 weeks at 70% and 25 weeks at 55% |
| Special Plan | 15 weeks at 75% | 3 weeks at 75% | 25 weeks at 75% |
Below is a chart detailing the number of weeks at the percentages of income for adoptive parents.
| Non-Shareable Parental Leave | Shareable Parental Leave | |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Plan | 5 weeks each at 70% | 20 weeks at 70% and 25 weeks at 55% |
| Special Plan | 3 weeks each at 75% | 37 weeks at 75% |
Quebec parental leave rights
Every parent in Quebec has the right to take parental leave at any point in their child's first year of life. And although you may be entitled to benefits while on parental leave, not everyone takes advantage of this opportunity. According to Statistics Canada, between 2012 and 2017, 88% of mothers took maternal and/or parental leave, and 46% of fathers took paternity and/or parental leave. The choice is entirely up to you and your personal financial situation.
Financial planning before your parental leave
Before you head out on parental leave, it's important to make sure you're financially prepared. One way to do this is by calculating your parental leave savings. To do this, you'll first need to estimate the amount you'll receive while on parental leave. Next, you'll need to calculate how much money you'll need to sustain yourself and your family while on leave.
After doing so, create a comprehensive budget. Track all of your income and potential expenses so that you can be fully prepared for what’s to come.
Doing this will help you make sure you have enough saved up to get you through the parental leave period. If you don't have enough saved up before you go on leave, take advantage of the parental leave insurance benefits offered by the Québec Parental Insurance Plan. These benefits can help you defer the costs of taking parental leave.
If you’re unsure of how much you’ll actually need to sustain your family, follow this guide that outlines all of the expenses you’ll need to consider when planning for a baby.
The parental leave system in Quebec is extensive and beneficial for new parents. Whether you're on maternity leave or parental leave, you're entitled to a wide range of benefits that will make taking time off work much easier. To make the most of your time off, it's important to make financial planning a priority before going on leave. By doing so, you'll be able to take advantage of all the benefits available to you, while making the transition back to work a bit easier.
