Maternity Leave Ontario Calculator 2019 Best 52 Weeks

Ontario's maternity leave policy provides eligible employees with up to 52 weeks of paid leave to care for a new child. This calculator helps you determine your entitlement based on your employment status and the year 2019.

Overview of Ontario Maternity Leave

Ontario's maternity leave program was established to support working mothers by providing paid time off to bond with their newborns. The program has evolved over the years, with the 2019 version offering up to 52 weeks of paid leave for eligible employees.

Key Features of Ontario Maternity Leave 2019

Up to 52 weeks of paid leave
Eligible for employees with at least 12 months of continuous service
Pay rates based on employment status and length of service
Option to take leave in a single block or multiple periods
Protection against dismissal during leave

The maternity leave program is administered by the Ontario government and is designed to balance the needs of employers and employees. Employers must provide notice of the employee's intention to take leave and must continue to pay the employee during the leave period.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for Ontario maternity leave, you must meet several criteria:

Employment Requirements

You must be employed by an Ontario employer
You must have worked for your employer for at least 12 months
You must have worked at least 1,500 hours in the 12 months prior to the expected due date

Pregnancy Requirements

You must be pregnant with a single baby
Your baby must be expected to be born within 26 weeks of the expected due date
You must intend to take the leave to care for the baby

Important Notes

Employees who have taken maternity leave in the past may have different eligibility requirements. It's important to consult with your employer or the Ontario government for specific information about your situation.

Benefits and Pay Rates

The amount of maternity leave pay you receive depends on several factors, including your employment status and length of service. Here's a general overview of the pay rates for 2019:

Employment Status	Pay Rate	Maximum Leave Duration
Full-time employees	75% of regular wages	52 weeks
Part-time employees	75% of regular wages	26 weeks
Employees with less than 12 months service	Not eligible	N/A

The pay rates are calculated based on your regular wages, which are determined by your average earnings over the 12 months prior to the expected due date. The maximum leave duration varies depending on your employment status.

Regular Wages = (Total Earnings in Last 12 Months) / 12 Maternity Leave Pay = Regular Wages × 0.75

In addition to the pay benefits, employees on maternity leave are protected from dismissal and must be reinstated to their same or equivalent position upon returning from leave.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for Ontario maternity leave?: You should discuss your plans with your employer at least 12 weeks before your expected due date. Your employer must provide you with a written notice of your eligibility and the terms of your maternity leave.
Can I take maternity leave before my baby is born?: Yes, you can take up to 12 weeks of maternity leave before your baby is born to prepare for the birth and care for your baby after birth.
What happens if I return to work before completing my 52 weeks?: If you return to work before completing your 52 weeks, you must provide your employer with at least 12 weeks' notice. Your employer must continue to pay you during the remaining leave period.
Can I take maternity leave if I have more than one child?: Yes, you can take maternity leave for each child, but the total leave you can take is limited to 52 weeks in any 12-month period.
What if I need to take maternity leave but my employer refuses?: If your employer refuses to grant you maternity leave, you can file a complaint with the Ontario Human Rights Commission or the Ontario Labour Relations Board.