For new parents in Canada, going back to work after maternity leave can be a big adjustment. It can be exciting and stressful as a caregiver and balancing the demands of the career.
Fortunately, the leave of maternity is protected by law in Canada. It enables new parents to take time off work to care for their infant. Nonetheless, there are many legal requirements and factors to be aware of when returning to work after maternity leave Canada.
In this article, we’ll go through the procedures for returning to work after maternity leave in Canada, including maternity leave benefits, eligibility for maternity leave, and crucial employer communication. Following these important factors, you can ensure a successful return to work.
Eligibility for Maternity Leave in Canada
Generally, an employee must have worked for the employer for a minimum period to qualify for maternity leave. The steps for determining eligibility for the leave of maternity are as follows:
Jurisdiction Requirements
The first step in assessing maternity leave eligibility for an employee is to determine whether the jurisdiction’s laws apply to them. Knowing which laws apply is crucial because both federal and provincial regulations govern maternity leave in Canada.
Employee Eligibility
Employees who work for at least 90 days are eligible for maternity leave. Employees can be granted leave for less than 90 days of employment service. However, employers are prohibited from terminating a worker due to pregnancy or childbirth.
Length of Service
Employees are eligible for a certain period of maternity leave. They can take up to 16 weeks of unpaid maternity leave in a row. One restriction is that they have to take the maternity leave all at once. One cannot take 7 weeks of maternity leave, then come back to work, and then, after a few days, claim the remaining weeks of leave.
Income Requirement
To be qualified for the leave of maternity, Employees are eligible for a certain period of leave of maternity, employees must meet minimum income criteria during their employment and the length of service requirement. Also, the amount of income may differ depending on the jurisdiction.
Inform the Employer
If an employee is eligible for maternity leave, they must inform the employer of the leave. They must write an application, provide the required documents and include the expected start and end dates. Depending on the jurisdiction, employees may need to give their employer proof of their eligibility for maternity leave. It could be a doctor’s note or a pregnancy certificate.
Read more, How To Not Pay Spousal Support In Canada?
Maternity Leave Laws Benefits
Benefits for maternity leave are offered in Canada through the Employment Insurance (EI) program. The methods typically used to determine and receive maternity leave benefits are shown below.
Apply for Benefits
Employees must submit an application for maternity leave benefits via the Service Canada website or by calling the EI call center. The applicant must complete a form with personal data, including their social security number and projected due date. When the application has been submitted, Service Canada will analyze it and decide if the employee is qualified for the requested benefits.
Time to Bond with the New Baby
Due to maternity leave, new mothers can take time off work to spend quality time with their infants and get used to their new job as caregivers. This period can be very important in developing a strong parent-child bond and offering emotional support to the mother and child.
Improved Health Outcomes
Taking maternity leave can improve both mother’s and child’s health. For example, studies have shown that moms who take maternity leave are less likely to experience postpartum depression, and their infants are more likely to obtain vaccines and well-baby checkups.
Financial Support
Benefits for the leave of maternity offer new parents financial assistance while they are away from their jobs. It can offer stability during significant change and lessen the financial burden of caring for a new baby.
Job Protection
Employers must protect employees’ jobs while on maternity leave in Canada. As a result, working moms can take time off to care for their newborns without worrying about losing their jobs.
Returning to Work after Maternity Leave
Discuss Accommodations
Employees should speak with their employer as soon as possible if they need accommodations. Employees should make any required childcare arrangements before reporting back to work. When they return to work, they may need a flexible schedule or a private area for nursing.
Return to Work
Employees should be on time, prepared to work, and able to resume their duties on their first day back at work. After being on maternity leave, returning to the office may take some time. You can be on the right track again with advanced planning and a positive outlook. Not returning to work after maternity leave Canada may require notifying your employer in advance and adhering to company policies.
Attend Meeting
Before going back to work, some employers would want their staff to attend a meeting or orientation session. Employees should attend all the compulsory meetings and feel free to ask the employer any questions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, with proper planning and communication with your employer, returning to work after maternity leave in Canada can be smooth. Understanding the eligibility requirements for applying for and receiving maternity leave benefits is important.
You can successfully return to work after mat leave. Employees are eligible for a certain period of leave of maternity by following these instructions and talking with your employer about any accommodations. Always remember that taking the time to get used to your new situation as a working parent can result in a balanced life at work and at home.
FAQs
Can my employer refuse to take me back after maternity leave?
It is an unjust termination if your company refuses to let you return to work after maternity leave. The employer cannot offer the job to someone else if your job still exists.
Do I have to give notice before I return to work?
Yes, you must give notice for maternity leave before returning to work. You must provide your employer with written notice at least 4 weeks in advance. You have to mention the return date in the notice.
How long is maternity leave in Canada?
You can take 16 weeks of maternity leave. Within 13 weeks, you can begin your maternity leave whenever possible. You must take a leave of absence for the first 6 weeks after the delivery date. That is an exception if you provide a medical certificate declaring that your return to work won’t endanger your health.
How long do I have to work to get maternity leave?
If you have worked for at least 90 days, you can get the leave of maternity without getting paid.
What if I do not want to return to work after the leave?
You must provide written notice to your employer at least 4 weeks in advance. In other words, you can terminate your employment at any point while on vacation but by 4 weeks before it ends. But quitting your job can impact your eligibility for Employment Insurance benefits.
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