As a new or expectant mother in Ontario, you may be wondering about maternity leave in Ontario – what you’re entitled to and how to get it. Here’s a quick overview of the basics.
What Is Maternity Leave in Ontario, and What Are the Key Entitlements?
In Ontario, maternity leave is the period of time a new mother can take off from work to bond with her newborn child. The key entitlements for maternity leave in Ontario are set out in the Employment Standards Act, 2000.
These entitlements include up to 17 weeks of unpaid leave and up to 52 weeks of job-protected leave.
Mothers who are eligible for maternity leave are also entitled to up to 35 weeks of parental leave, which can be taken either all at once or in two separate periods.
Finally, new mothers are also entitled to take a leave of absence from work for the purpose of childcare – up to 52 weeks in total.
All of these entitlements are available to mothers who work in Ontario and who meet the eligibility criteria set out in the Employment Standards Act, 2000.
How to Apply for Maternity Leave in Ontario?
If you’re pregnant or have recently given birth, you may be wondering how to apply for maternity leave in Ontario.
The first step is contacting your employer and informing them that you will be taking maternity leave. You will need to provide them with a return-to-work date and complete a leave of absence form.
Once your employer has received your request, they will need to confirm your eligibility for maternity leave. To be eligible, you must have been employed by the company for at least 13 weeks before your leave.
You will also need to provide your employer with a medical certificate from your doctor or midwife confirming your pregnancy and expected due date.
Once your employer has confirmed your eligibility, they will provide you with a notice of pregnancy leave. This notice will outline your entitlements and the company’s policies regarding maternity leave.
You will then need to apply for Employment Insurance (EI) benefits. To do this, you can either go online or call the EI Contact Centre. When applying, you must provide your social insurance number, date of birth, and address.
You will also need to provide your employer’s name, address, and phone number. The information you provide will be used to calculate your EI benefits.
Once you have applied for EI benefits, you will receive a confirmation letter. This letter will outline the number of benefits you are entitled to and when they will be paid.
EI benefits are paid every two weeks and can be deposited directly into your bank account.
Maternity leave in Ontario typically lasts 17 weeks but can be extended to 52 weeks if you have a complicated pregnancy or birth.
Final Thoughts
There’s a lot to think about when it comes to maternity leave in Ontario. But don’t worry, you’re not alone. The government has several programs in place to help new parents, and there are plenty of resources available to help you navigate the process.
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