Paternity Leave Rules in Canada

Standard or extended parental benefits

Standard parental benefits pay 55% of average insurable weekly earnings, up to a maximum of $729 a week for claims from 28 December 2025. One parent can receive up to 35 weeks; when shared, parents can receive up to 40 weeks combined.

Extended parental benefits pay 33% (up to $437 a week in 2026) over a longer period: up to 61 weeks for one parent or 69 weeks shared.

Eligibility

You generally need 600 hours of insurable employment in the qualifying period. Self-employed people can only claim if they registered for EI special benefits in advance.

Job-protected leave

EI provides the money; the right to time off comes from employment standards law. Federally regulated employees are covered by the Canada Labour Code, while most workers are covered by their province or territory, whose rules vary.

Quebec

Quebec runs its own Quebec Parental Insurance Plan (QPIP), which includes dedicated paternity benefits.