Remember
The length of the maternity leave is 18 weeks. It begins no earlier than 16 weeks before the expected date of delivery and ends no later than 18 weeks later
- You are entitled to the Québec Parental Insurance Plan during this period
- You must notify your employer, at least 3 weeks before going on leave, of the dates of your departure and return
- Upon returning to work, you should find the same conditions of employment that you had before going on leave
- You are considered to have quit your job if you do not report to work on the date stipulated in the notice given to your employer
- The parental leave is in addition to the maternity leave
In case of disagreement
Check your rightsMake sure that you know your rights well by consulting the section What the Act says.
Absences for a maternity leave are protected by the Act respecting labour standards. The employer cannot dismiss, suspend or transfer you or exercise discriminatory measures against you because you were absent for a maternity leave. If one of these situations arises, you can file a complaint for a prohibited practice.
Meet with your employerClarify the situation and, wherever possible, resolve the problem.
This approach often makes it possible to settle the problem and to avoid having to file a complaint with the Commission des normes du travail. It is in your interest and that of your employer.
File a complaintIf necessary, get in touch with the Service des renseignements for more information.
If the steps taken have not produced the desired results, file your complaint as soon as possible to avoid losing your rights.
