Maternity, parental and pre-placement adoption leaves and leave allowances
This information is for BC Public Service employees.
If you work for another employer, please contact your Human Resources Office or review the maternity and parental leave information at Service Canada.
Last updated: September 9, 2021
Leaves and leave allowances are available so you can focus on your new responsibilities as a parent.
If you're an auxiliary employee without leave benefits, your maternity and parental leaves are covered under the BC Employment Standards Act.
Maternity
leave
Birth parents who are expecting a baby are entitled to a maternity leave of up to 17 consecutive weeks.
When combined with parental leave, the time off work can add up to 78 consecutive weeks.
- Learn more about maternity leave and leave allowance
Parental
leave
Parents welcoming a new baby or adopting a child are entitled to parental leave of up to 63 consecutive weeks.
You may also qualify for the parental sharing benefit if you and your spouse are sharing parental leave.
- Learn more about parental leave, leave allowance and the parental sharing benefit
Pre-placement adoption leave
This leave provides parents with up to 7 weeks off (245 work hours) and the flexibility you need to complete the steps to adopt a child.
- Learn more about pre-placement adoption leave and leave allowance
