Same-sex spouses are entitled to benefits.
Available exclusively to the woman who gave birth.
Available to the spouse of the woman who gave birth. The spouse must be registered on the birth certificate issued by the Directeur de l’état civil du Québec and the couple are in the parental project together.
Available to the woman who gave birth, or her spouse if the latter is acknowledged on the birth certificate issued by the Directeur de l’état civil du Québec and the couple are in the parental project together.
The benefits can be shared as the woman who gave birth and her spouse see fit, if the latter is acknowledged on the birth certificate issued by the Directeur de l’état civil du Québec and the couple are in the parental project together.
Available to both adoptive spouses.
Two spouses who adopt one or more children can share the benefits as they see fit. However, if only one of the spouses adopts one or more children, the benefits will be paid to the adoptive mother only.
Benefits can be granted to a woman who adopts her spouse’s biological child.
The table below indicates the maximum number of benefit weeks and percentage of average weekly earnings for each type of benefit, according to the plan chosen.
| Type of Benefits | Basic Plan | Special Plan | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum number of benefit weeks | Percentage of average weekly income | Maximum number of benefit weeks | Percentage of average weekly income | |
| Maternity |
18 | 70 % | 15 | 75 % |
| Paternity | 5 | 70 % | 3 | 75 % |
| Parental | 7 | 70 % | 25 | 75 % |
| 25 (7 + 25 = 32) |
55 % | |||
| Adoption |
12 | 70 % | 28 | 75 % |
| 25 (12 + 25 = 37) |
55 % | |||
To find out the estimated amount of benefits to which you may be entitled, you can try the benefit calculation simulator before applying.
You must agree with your employer on the time of your leave. The Act respecting labour standards has provisions on leave for family events. For more information, contact the Service des renseignements of the Commission des normes du travail (CNT) at one of the following numbers: 1 800 265-1414 (toll-free) or 514 873-7061. You can also visit the CNT website
.
Last update: 2013-04-17
