Parental Leave Ontario Calculator 2017

Use this calculator to determine your Ontario parental leave entitlements for 2017. The Ontario Parental Leave Act (OPLA) provides eligible parents with up to 18 weeks of job-protected leave to care for a new child. This calculator helps you understand your eligibility, duration, and pay rates based on the 2017 regulations.

How Ontario Parental Leave Works in 2017

The Ontario Parental Leave Act (OPLA) was introduced in 2017 to support working parents who need time off to care for a new child. The program provides:

Up to 18 weeks of job-protected leave
Partial pay during leave
Eligibility for both biological and adoptive parents
Protection against job loss during leave

The leave can be taken in one continuous period or in multiple periods, with a maximum of 12 weeks in any 12-month period. Parents must have worked a minimum number of hours in the 52 weeks before the leave starts to be eligible.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for Ontario parental leave in 2017, you must meet several requirements:

Be employed by an Ontario employer
Have worked at least 1,500 hours in the 52 weeks before the leave starts
Be the primary caregiver for a child under 18 months old
Have a child who is either:

Born to you
Adopted by you
Placed with you for adoption

Parents who have already used their 12-week parental leave entitlement in the previous 12 months are not eligible for additional leave.

How to Calculate Parental Leave

The duration and pay rates for Ontario parental leave depend on several factors:

Leave Duration Formula

Maximum leave duration = 18 weeks (126 days)

Actual leave taken = Minimum of 1 week and maximum of 18 weeks

Pay Rate Formula

Parental leave pay rate = (Average weekly earnings × 55%) × (Leave duration / 18 weeks)

Average weekly earnings = (Total earnings in 52 weeks before leave) / 52

The government pays the parental leave amount directly to your employer, who then pays you the amount. The leave pay is taxable income.

Worked Examples

Example 1: Full 18-Week Leave

Sarah has worked 2,000 hours in the 52 weeks before her leave starts. Her average weekly earnings are $1,200.

Calculation:

Average weekly earnings = $1,200
Parental leave pay rate = ($1,200 × 0.55) × (18/18) = $660 per week
Total leave pay = $660 × 18 = $11,880

Example 2: Partial Leave

Mark takes 10 weeks of leave. He has worked 1,800 hours in the 52 weeks before his leave starts. His average weekly earnings are $1,100.

Calculation:

Average weekly earnings = $1,100
Parental leave pay rate = ($1,100 × 0.55) × (10/18) ≈ $361 per week
Total leave pay = $361 × 10 = $3,610

Note: The actual pay amount may vary slightly based on rounding and the specific calculation method used by the government.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for Ontario parental leave?

You can apply for Ontario parental leave through your employer. Your employer must provide you with an application form and must approve your leave request within 10 days of receiving it.

Can I take parental leave if I'm self-employed?

No, the Ontario Parental Leave Act only applies to employees. Self-employed individuals are not eligible for parental leave benefits.

What happens to my job if I take parental leave?

Your employer must protect your job during parental leave. This means you cannot be fired, demoted, or laid off while on leave. Your employer must also maintain your health benefits during the leave.

Can I combine parental leave with other types of leave?

Yes, you can combine parental leave with vacation leave or other types of leave, but the total leave taken cannot exceed 18 weeks in any 12-month period.

What if I need more than 18 weeks of leave?

If you need more than 18 weeks of leave, you may be eligible for additional leave under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or other provincial programs.