Canada’s diverse economy, spanning technology, natural resources, healthcare, and finance, makes it an attractive destination for global employers. Hiring in Canada requires compliance with the Canada Labour Code and provincial employment standards, which strongly safeguard employees’ rights.
The leave policy in Canada governs annual leave, maternity and paternity benefits, parental entitlements, sick leave, public holidays, and other special leave categories. Employers must comply with both federal and provincial regulations to maintain fair working conditions and avoid penalties.
This guide provides a detailed overview of leave entitlements in Canada for 2025.
Table of Contents
- Adoption Leave in Canada
- Earned Leave (Annual Paid Leave) in Canada
- Maternity Leave in Canada
- Parental Leave in Canada
- Paternity Leave in Canada
- Public Holidays in Canada
- Sick Leave Policy in Canada
- Casual Leave in Canada
- Unpaid Leave in Canada
- Other Special Leave Types in Canada
- Digital Leave Management in Canada with Asanify AI
- FAQs on Leave Policy in Canada
Adoption Leave in Canada
Adoption leave in Canada supports adoptive parents in building family bonds.
Duration: Adoptive parents are entitled to up to 37 weeks of unpaid adoption leave, depending on provincial rules.
Special cases: Either parent may take adoption leave, but the total combined duration cannot exceed the maximum allowed.
Multiple adoptions: Entitlements remain the same per adoption event, regardless of the number of children adopted simultaneously.
Employers must grant adoption leave once employees provide adoption papers. During this time, parents may access Employment Insurance (EI) parental benefits for income support.
Earned Leave (Annual Paid Leave) in Canada
Annual paid vacation leave varies by province, but federal minimums under the Canada Labour Code apply for federally regulated employees.
- After 1 year of service: 2 weeks of paid vacation.
- After 5 years of service: 3 weeks of paid vacation.
- After 10 years of service: 4 weeks of paid vacation.
- Vacation pay is typically 4–6% of wages earned, depending on tenure.
Employers must ensure accurate Payroll processing to calculate vacation pay.
Suggested Read: Employer of Record Canada: A Comprehensive Guide
Maternity Leave in Canada
Maternity leave in Canada (for birth mothers) ensures income and job protection.
| Feature | Details |
| Duration | Up to 17 weeks of unpaid maternity leave |
| Payment | Income replacement through EI maternity benefits (15 weeks at 55% of average earnings, up to the maximum insurable amount) |
| Protections | Employers cannot terminate employees during leave |
Parental Leave in Canada
Parental leave is one of the most generous entitlements.
| Type of Leave | Duration | Details |
| Standard parental leave | Up to 40 weeks total (max 35 weeks per parent) | EI benefits at 55% of average earnings |
| Extended parental leave | Up to 69 weeks total (max 61 weeks per parent) | EI benefits at 33% of average earnings |
Parents may share leave, but each parent must take at least 5 weeks individually.
Paternity Leave in Canada
Canada does not have a separate statutory “paternity leave,” but fathers and partners can use parental leave entitlements.
- Partners may claim standard or extended parental leave.
- EI parental benefits apply, subject to eligibility.
Public Holidays in Canada
Canada recognizes 9 federal statutory holidays. Provinces and territories may grant additional days.
| Holiday | Date |
| New Year’s Day | 1 January |
| Good Friday | March/April (movable) |
| Canada Day | 1 July |
| Labour Day | 1st Monday in September |
| National Day for Truth and Reconciliation | 30 September |
| Thanksgiving Day | 2nd Monday in October |
| Remembrance Day | 11 November |
| Christmas Day | 25 December |
| Boxing Day | 26 December |
Employees are entitled to holiday pay if eligible under employment standards.
Sick Leave Policy in Canada
Sick leave is covered under both federal and provincial laws.
| Category | Entitlement |
| Federally regulated employees | Up to 10 days of paid medical leave per year (introduced in 2022) |
| Provincial rules | Vary (e.g., Ontario: 3 unpaid days; British Columbia: 5 paid days) |
| EI sickness benefits | Up to 15 weeks of income replacement at 55% of average earnings |
Employees must provide medical certificates when required.
Casual Leave in Canada
Canada does not formally define “casual leave,” but employees may take short-term time off for personal emergencies, depending on provincial standards. Examples include:
- Bereavement leave (typically 3–5 days).
- Personal emergency or family responsibility leave (varies by province).
- Jury duty leave (unpaid, but job-protected).
Unpaid Leave in Canada
Employees may take unpaid leave in specific cases:
- Compassionate care leave: Up to 28 weeks to care for a gravely ill family member.
- Critical illness leave: Up to 37 weeks for a child, 17 weeks for an adult family member.
- Reservist leave: For military duties.
- Education leave: In certain provinces by agreement.
Other Special Leave Types in Canada
- Family caregiver benefits under EI.
- Maternity/parental top-ups provided by some employers.
- Leave related to domestic violence in many provinces.
Suggested Read: Labour Laws in Canada: Everything Employers and Employees Need to Know in 2025
Digital Leave Management in Canada with Asanify AI
Managing leave in Canada is complex because of overlapping federal and provincial standards, EI benefits, and employer top-up policies. Manual systems often cause payroll disputes and compliance issues.
Asanify AI simplifies leave management in Canada by:
- Providing real-time visibility of leave balances.
- Offering Slack and mobile-based approvals for quick processing.
- Automating Payroll processing for vacation pay, EI benefits, and employer contributions.
- Generating audit-ready reports aligned with Canadian labor standards.
- Supporting Global Contractor Management, enabling businesses to manage employees and contractors together in one system.
With Asanify, employers hiring in Canada can stay compliant with strict labor regulations while offering employees a seamless, transparent experience. This is especially valuable for startups and SMEs entering the Canadian market.
FAQs
Employees are entitled to 2–4 weeks of paid vacation depending on years of service.
Maternity leave lasts up to 17 weeks, with 15 weeks of EI benefits at 55% of salary.
Parents can share up to 40 weeks (standard) or 69 weeks (extended) of leave.
Canada has no separate paternity leave, but fathers can take parental leave.
There are 9 federal statutory holidays, with provinces adding their own.
Yes. Federally regulated workers get 10 paid sick days; provinces set additional rules.
Yes. Adoptive parents are entitled to adoption leave and can access EI parental benefits.
Not to be considered as tax, legal, financial or HR advice. Regulations change over time so please consult a lawyer, accountant or Labour Law expert for specific guidance.
