You can ask for employment insurance benefits for up to six (6) weeks if you cannot work because you need to care for a family member who is very sick and may die within twenty-six (26) weeks. For more information, contact your nearest Employment Insurance office and ask about compassionate care benefits. See Section 8.3 for contact information.

3.7 How much leave can I take when I give birth or adopt a child?
[Student Manual, page 31]

You can take up to five (5) days leave after the birth or adoption of your child.

You and your spouse can also take up to five (5) days leave if you miscarry or have an abortion during or after the 20th week of pregnancy.

However:

• the first two (2) days of the leave are paid if you have been working at least sixty (60) consecutive days for the same employer;
• the other days are unpaid;
• all five (5) days will be unpaid if you have been working less than 60 consecutive days for the same employer;
• you must tell your employer as soon as possible that you are taking leave; and
• you must take the leave within fifteen (15) days of the event.

3.8 How much leave can I take after I give birth or adopt a child?
[Student Manual, page 32]

A female employee can take up to eighteen (18) consecutive weeks unpaid maternity leave. The leave can be taken before or after the birth or adoption of her child.

The employee must give her employer written notice at least three (3) weeks before she takes maternity leave. She must also tell the employer the date she expects to return to work.

The father can take up to five (5) consecutive weeks unpaid paternity leave. Paternity leave can be taken any time during the fifty-two (52) weeks after the birth or adoption, but cannot begin before the child is born or adopted.