Extending maternity leave

Most employees choose to take parental leave immediately following the end of their 17 weeks of maternity leave.

Extending your maternity leave

Parental leave

Parental leave is available following the 17 weeks of maternity leave and extends time off of up to 78 weeks (18 months) for the birth parent.

On your application, you can select whether to apply for:

• Up to 52 weeks as standard parental leave
• Up to 78 weeks as extended parental leave

Once you have made your selection, you can provide your supervisor with notice if you wish to extend your leave (as long as it does not exceed 78 weeks in total) or return from your leave early.

If you're taking parental leave and have included this leave with your maternity leave application, please refer to the parental leave timeline. 

Extended childcare leave

• The total combined leave can be up to 78 weeks (18 months)
• If you are a regular employee, you can take this leave without pay at the end of your leave as long as you have not already taken the full 78 weeks (18 months) of maternity and extended parental leave
• Extended childcare leave follows the same rules as a general leave without pay for benefits coverage and pension contributions
• More information about maintaining benefit coverage can be found on Careers & MyHR under Benefits while on leave or layoff
• Send a written request to your supervisor at least four weeks before the end of your initial leave

Vacation

• You can request to use earned vacation before or after your maternity leave to extend your time off work. Request vacation leave through your supervisor for approval
• Your vacation entitlement will be pro-rated for the period that you are off on leave
• Look up your annual vacation entitlement