Supporting parents and young families has always been a priority for the Government of Canada. That is why the Government will introduce the Employment Insurance parental sharing benefit.

“As we’ve seen in Quebec and in other jurisdictions that have implemented similar policies, this type of benefit has been proven to encourage a more balanced sharing of child care responsibilities. This new measure will help us break down barriers to gender equality by shifting cultural attitudes against men taking parental leave, and will help Canadians spend more time with their families.”
– The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development

“The introduction of the new five-week parental sharing benefit is welcome news for Canadian families. This additional leave will encourage all parents to be engaged in full-time caregiving for their infants, helping to create greater financial security for women, and stronger bonds between fathers or second parents and their babies. By encouraging a more equitable distribution of child care within the home, this new parental leave benefit gives families more flexible child care options and advances gender equality both at home and in the workplace.”
– The Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister of International Development and Minister for Women and Gender Equality

“Providing women with equal economic opportunities will drive innovation and support middle-class families. Today’s announcement shows the progress we have made towards creating a more gender-equal Canada, while providing the opportunity to reflect on the fact that child care duties still fall disproportionately on mothers.”
– The Honourable Karina Gould, Minister of Democratic Institutions and Member of Parliament for Burlington

‎‎‎“The introduction of a ‘use it or lose it’ shared parental leave system is a huge victory for gender equality and for families across the country. As the former Vice-Chair of the Status of Women Committee, I was proud to see the Government introduce this key recommendation found in our report on the Economic Security of Women in Canada. It will lead to a more equitable sharing of unpaid care responsibilities. When all parents are incentivized to take leave to support their families, women will no longer be penalized for taking the leave they are entitled to. Shared parental leave results in more professional opportunities for women, greater labour market participation rates and improved access to senior positions. Simply put, shared parental leave is good for families and the economy.”
– Pam Damoff, Member of Parliament for Oakville North–Burlington and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health

“The WOMB is a sacred, loving space for the whole family to be fully supported, nourished and nurtured in our community. We are sure that this new parental sharing benefit will provide even more opportunities for families to actively participate in creating strong family bonds. We welcome and look forward to seeing more involvement with both parents, when applicable, in our offerings at The WOMB.”
– Lorri Fleming, Co-Founder/Director, The WOMB – World of My Baby

• In 2016–17, women represented 85 percent of all parental benefit claims made, indicating that child care duties continue to fall heavily on mothers.

• In 2017, in large part due to the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan, 81 percent of spouses or partners of recent mothers in Quebec claimed or intended to claim parental benefits, compared to only 12 percent in the rest of Canada.

Related products

• Document d’information: Prestation parentale partagée

Associated links

• Budget 2018
• Employment Insurance improvements
• Employment Insurance – Information for employers

For media enquiries, please contact:
Valérie Glazer
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Families, Children and Social Development
819-654-5546

Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
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