Benefits while on leave with pay

For the following leaves, coverage and payment continues uninterrupted.

Maternity, parental and pre-placement adoption leave

If you do not return to work after your leave for the minimum time period specified in your collective or employment agreement, you will be required to repay:

• Benefit premiums (both employee and employer portions) for the period of the leave taken prior to April 1, 2022 including employee basic life insurance and long-term disability (LTD)
• Applicable flexible benefits credits received for the period of the leave prior to April 1, 2022
• Any allowances you received, on a pro-rated basis if you returned for a period of time

Learn more about:

• Maternity leave: choosing not to return to work
• Parental leave: choosing not to return to work
• Pre-placement adoption leave: choosing not to return to work

Excluded employees under the Flexible Benefits Program have 60 days to amend benefits due to a life event.

Short term sick leave 

If you're on short term sick leave, the Short Term Illness and Injury Plan (STIIP) gives you uninterrupted coverage.

Long term disability (LTD)

If payments under the STIIP have run out and you're waiting for a decision on LTD payments, you may choose to pay benefit premiums to maintain coverage. If those benefits are approved, any premiums you have paid will be refunded. If you have initiated an appeal after being LTD benefits, coverage continues during the appeal phase.

Education leave with pay

Coverage continues for employees who are on education leave with pay.