Paternity Leave

All the facts you need to know about Paternity Leave in Canada and why taking Paternity Leave is a good start to fatherhood.

PATERNITY LEAVE IN CANADA

As of March 2019, all Canadian parents have 40 weeks of parental leave; 5 of which are specifically meant for Dads to take time off work to care for their newborn.

Quebec is Canada’s most paternity friendly region since 2006. Approximately 84% of Dads exercise this policy (compared to only 11% of dads in the rest of Canada).

ARE YOU ELIGIBLE?

All new Dads are eligible for Paternity Leave, as long as you have at least 600 hours of work towards Employment Insurance (EI) within the past 52 weeks.

Use Our Must-Have Paternity Leave Checklist

The Paternity Leave Checklist provides 10 crucial steps dads should take to prepare for Paternity Leave. Taking paternity leave helps kids, dads, and moms. It can also be scary if you’re not sure how it works or what to expect. Follow this checklist to know what’s right for your situation and maximize the transition to fatherhood.

HOW IT WORKS

Parental benefits are paid for a maximum of 35 shared weeks plus 5 weeks of “daddy days”; paid within a year of the birth or adoption of the child. In 2023, the weekly benefit rate was 55% of the parent’s average weekly insurable earnings up to a maximum of $650 a week before taxes.

Extended parental benefits are paid for a maximum of 61 shared weeks plus 8 weeks of “daddy days”; paid within 78 weeks of the birth or adoption of the child. In 2023, the weekly benefit rate was 33% of the parent’s average weekly insurable earnings up to a maximum of $390 a week before taxes.

For more information on updates to parental leave to support you during COVID-19, see Service Canada’s documentation here.

THE BENEFITS OF TAKING PATERNITY LEAVE

Dad Central and Dove Men+Care research shows that:
  • Kids who grow up with a highly engaged Dad are more likely to have better mental and physical development, are more likely to be confident leaders, their risk-taking and risk-management increases, they show more pro-social behaviour, and display a greater ability of self-regulation. These children tend to be more emotionally stable, experience less anxiety and depression, and tend to be more active.
  • Taking the time to care allows Dad to create a close bond with his child, become a more confident parent, gain new understanding of the importance of their influence in their child’s life and strengthen the relationship with his partner.
  • By taking shared parental leave, Dads are supporting their working partners, allowing them to resume their careers earlier.

planning for paternity leave

At Work:
  • Start with planning ahead at work; speak to your employer or HR department about your company’s paternity leave options and Employment Insurance policies.
  • Help your team (colleagues and managers) plan for your work to be covered while you are away and similarly, plan for your re-entry to work.
At Home:
  • Prepare at home by crossing off any domestic work prior to the baby arriving, set expectations of household tasks with your partner, and seek advice from friends and/or family, or a financial representative to support in financial planning for your paternity leave.
  • Take a parenting class and/or join a parenting community for support and guidance throughout this time.

paternity leave faq’s

Dad Central has received many requests for information related to paternity leave. We share the following FAQ’s, answers and links to the government of Canada websites to help you in the planning for paternity leave:

1. Can the 5 weeks of paternity leave be used at the same time as the mom’s leave, and does it affect the total duration of her leave?

Answer: Yes, the 5 weeks of paternity leave, also known as “Daddy Days,” can be taken at the same time as the mother’s leave. This does not affect the total duration of her leave. Each parent has their own separate entitlement to parental leave.

Source: Government of Canada – Parental leave

2. Can I take the full 40 weeks of parental leave if my wife is not working and staying at home full time?

Answer: Yes, you can still take the full 40 weeks of parental leave even if your wife is not working and is staying at home full time. The parental leave benefits are independent of the employment status of the spouse.

Source: Government of Canada – Parental leave

3. Can I take paternity leave after the one-year window if my wife is on an 18-month maternity leave?

Answer: No, paternity leave must be taken within the one-year window following the child’s birth or adoption. If your wife is on an 18-month maternity leave, you cannot take paternity leave after the one-year window.

Source: Government of Canada – Parental leave

4. Is it possible to split the 5 weeks of paternity leave, taking some weeks immediately and others later?

Answer: Yes, the 5 weeks of paternity leave can be split. You can take them consecutively or intermittently within a 52-week period following the child’s birth or adoption.

Source: Government of Canada – Parental leave

5. Can I run my small business while on paternity leave in Canada?

Answer: Yes, you can run your small business while on paternity leave. However, you should be cautious about the number of hours worked, as excessive work may affect your eligibility for paternity leave benefits.

Source: Government of Canada – EI Special Benefits for Self-Employed People

6. If my wife opts for a 12-month leave, can I split the 5 weeks of paternity leave, and does it affect her EI benefits?

Answer: Yes, you can split the 5 weeks of paternity leave even if your wife opts for a 12-month leave. It does not affect her EI benefits; each parent has their own entitlement to parental leave.

Source: Government of Canada – Parental leave

7. Can I work part-time during my parental leave and collect EI benefits to compensate for reduced income?

Answer: Yes, you can work part-time during your parental leave and still receive EI benefits. However, there are income thresholds and rules regarding reporting your earnings. You should report any income earned during your leave.

Source: Government of Canada – Working while on claim

8. Does taking more than 5 weeks of paternity leave reduce the number of weeks my wife gets EI for?

Answer: No, taking more than 5 weeks of paternity leave does not reduce the number of weeks your wife gets EI for. Each parent has their own entitlement to parental leave, and the weeks are not transferable between parents.

Source: Government of Canada – Parental leave

9. Can fathers transfer paternity leave to mothers?

Answer: No, fathers cannot transfer paternity leave to mothers. Each parent has their own entitlement to parental leave, and the weeks are not transferable between parents.

Source: Government of Canada – Parental leave

10. Does my wife staying at home full time influence my eligibility for paternity leave?

Answer: No, your wife staying at home full time does not influence your eligibility for paternity leave. Paternity leave eligibility is not contingent on the employment status of the spouse.

Source: Government of Canada – Parental leave

11. If my wife takes 18 months of maternity leave, what is the maximum number of weeks I can take for paternity leave?

Answer: If your wife takes 18 months of maternity leave, you are still entitled to the standard 5 weeks of paternity leave. The duration of your paternity leave does not change based on the length of your wife’s maternity leave.

Source: Government of Canada – Parental leave

12. Can the 5 weeks of “Daddy Days” be used individually throughout the year or must they be taken consecutively?

Answer: The 5 weeks of “Daddy Days” can be used individually throughout the year or taken consecutively. Parents have flexibility in scheduling these days within the 52-week period following the child’s birth or adoption.

Source: Government of Canada – Parental leave

** For the most accurate and personalized advice, contacting Service Canada directly or consulting with an employment lawyer might provide specific details tailored to individual circumstances.

Download the paternity leave Checklist

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

Learn more about Service Canada’s Parental Benefits Information.

Dad Central and Dove Men+Care have booklets and other resources available for fathers seeking more information.

Download our Free Booklets, check out our New Dads Resources and visit Dove.Ca

wATCH OUR DISCUSSION ON PATERNITY LEAVE

This free, online conversation helps 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 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.

Learn more about the discussion and watch it here

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