Maternity, parental and pre-placement adoption leaves and leave allowances

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.


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.


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.