Continuation of Benefits: Maternity/Parental Leave
The following chart provides a summary of maternity/parental leave requirements and standard administrative procedures.
Jurisdiction | Legislated Requirements | Employer’s Choice | Employee’s Choice | Comments |
Federal
| Health and Disability must continue unless the employee does not pay his or her share of the premium | None | Can opt out – must either continue all or opt out of all | If the employee stops paying premium contributions, the employer’s obligation ceases |
Ontario | Life, AD&D, Health and Dental coverage must continue, unless the employee does not pay his or her share of the premium | Two choices:
Continue all coverage, or
Continue all coverage, except disability | Can opt out of the coverage offered by the employer – must either continue all or opt out of all | If the employee opts out, the employer must continue any legislated coverage that is 100% employer paid |
Insurers must be notified whether or not coverage is to be continued for the employee.