In Canada, maternity leave with a paycheck works through Employment Insurance (EI) or Québec’s separate QPIP program. You don’t keep your full salary, but you get government benefits, and in some cases your employer may “top up” your pay.
1. Federal EI Maternity Benefits (Most Provinces & Territories)
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Duration: Up to 15 weeks for birth mothers.
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Pay rate: 55% of your average weekly insurable earnings, capped at about $695/week (2025 rate).
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Eligibility: At least 600 insurable hours worked in the last 52 weeks (or since your last EI claim).
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When you get paid:
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Taxable: EI benefits are taxable income.
2. Parental Benefits (After Maternity Leave)
If you want more paid time off:
If combined with maternity leave:
3. Québec (QPIP) — More Generous Pay
If you live and work in Québec:
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Maternity: 18 weeks at 70% pay, or 15 weeks at 75% pay.
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Parental: Up to 32 weeks at 70%/55% mix, or 25 weeks at 75%.
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No 1-week waiting period.