There are four types of benefits under the Québec Parental Insurance Plan:
Maternity benefits
Maternity benefits are exclusively for the woman who gave birth. They cannot be shared between the two parents. This person is also entitled to parental benefits.
Paternity benefits
Paternity benefits are exclusively for the father. They cannot be shared between the two parents. The father is also entitled to parental benefits.
Parental benefits
The total number of parental benefit weeks may be taken by one of the two parents, or shared between them as they see fit. Parents may take these weeks simultaneously or in succession.
Adoption benefits
The total number of adoption benefit weeks may be taken by one of the two adoptive parents, or shared between them as they see fit. Adoptive parents may take these weeks simultaneously or in succession.
The income replacement percentage and maximum number of benefit weeks depends on the type of benefit and plan selected.
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, de l'équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST) at one of the following number: 1 844 838-0808 (toll free). You can also visit the CNESST website.
