{"id":46589,"date":"2015-06-17T17:57:13","date_gmt":"2015-06-17T21:57:13","guid":{"rendered":""},"modified":"2026-05-14T14:18:40","modified_gmt":"2026-05-14T18:18:40","slug":"introduction","status":"publish","type":"publications-page","link":"https:\/\/www.cleo.on.ca\/en\/publications-page\/introduction","title":{"rendered":"Introduction"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you’re going to have a baby or adopt a child, Ontario law says that you can take time off work without losing your job. This is called taking a leave of absence<\/strong> or just a leave<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Your employer does not<\/strong> have to pay you during a leave. But they have to give you back your job or give you a similar job when you return.<\/p>\n

If you have worked enough hours to qualify for Employment Insurance (EI), you can get EI benefits<\/strong> for some of the time you’re on leave. In 2026, the most you can get is $729 a week<\/strong>, up from $695 in 2025.<\/p>\n

There are 2 types of leaves and benefits for new parents.<\/p>\n

Parental leave and benefits<\/strong> are for parents who have a newborn child or who have just adopted a child. For adopting parents, the child can be 17 years of age or younger.<\/p>\n

Pregnancy leave and maternity benefits<\/strong> are only for people who are pregnant or who have just given birth. If you give birth to your child, you can get both types of leaves and benefits.<\/p>\n

For a summary of what leaves and EI benefits you can get, read the chart here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

This resource has 3 parts<\/strong>:<\/p>\n