The Widespread Benefits of Paternity Leave
Every dad knows that having kids changes things…and most dads feel the responsibility of providing for their child(ren).
That pressure creates a problem though. Sometimes dads prioritize work over family, and this results in less than 1 in 5 Canadian dads taking paternity leave. In March 2019, the Canadian government changed parental leave policy to support 5 weeks of “daddy days”.
Did you know that when dads take paternity leave there are widespread benefits to kids, moms/partners, and to dads themselves?
According to Dove Men+Care’s State of the World’s Fathers report:
- 85% of fathers said that they would do anything to be more involved after their child was born.
- 68% of men said that they had better mental health when they took longer paternity leave
In addition, DR. Pia Rebello Britto, UNICEF Global Chief of Early Childhood Development stated:
“There is no time more critical for brain development than early childhood, and there’s a growing body of evidence showing that fathers hold a huge stake in this process. Yet this evidence is not currently matched with investment to provide fathers with the support they need to play an active role in their children’s development. We have to ask more of governments and more of employers to give all caregivers the time and resources they need to nurture their children; society depends on it.”
These benefits clearly have extensive research and validation. But why the discrepancy in Canadian dads taking paternity leave? And what can dads or those who support families do to reap the benefits of paternity leave?
This online conversation will help dads know:
- The research behind why paternity leave is so important
- The benefits for children, dads, and moms/partners
- The widespread impact and best practices based on Quebec’s success (over 85% of dads take paternity leave)
This free discussion features fatherhood expert Dr. Gregory Fabiano; Raymond Villeneuve, Executive Director for Regroupement pour la Valorisation de la Paternité (RVP); and Mardoché Mertilus, Program Liaison for RVP. We know you’ll leave feeling empowered to continue having conversations around active fatherhood, and the importance of taking paternity leave.
Event Panelists
Dr. Gregory Fabiano
Raymond Villeneuve
Mardoché Mertilus
Event Hosts
Ed Gough Jr.
Member of the Dad Central Ontario Steering Committee & Host of the award-winning The Dr. Vibe Show
Brought to you by
Dad Central and Dove Men+Care have partnered to promote involved fatherhood across Canada and provide resources and workshops for organizations that serve dads.
