Scenario Planner

Understanding Quebec Parental Leave Structure

Quebec's Basic Plan provides 55 base weeks total, split into three benefit types:

• Maternity Exclusive Leave*: 18 weeks at 70% income replacement (maternity parent only)
• Paternity Exclusive Leave*: 5 weeks at 70% income replacement (paternity parent only)
• Parental Leave: 32 weeks at mixed rates (7 weeks at 70% + 25 weeks at 55%) (can be shared between parents)

Starts up to 16 weeks before due date, must end within 20 weeks of birth. This time recognizes the exclusive leave entitlement for the maternity parent.

These exclusive weeks are reserved for the paternity parent and cannot be transferred. Can begin from the week of the child's birth.

Can start immediately from birth OR when the maternity parent stops working (whichever comes first). Under the Basic Plan, these are split into 7 weeks at 70% and 25 weeks at 55% of insurable earnings.

Key difference: The paternity parent can take parental leave while the maternity parent is still on exclusive leave so both parents are off together.

• Binding Decision: The first parent who files a QPIP application chooses the plan (Basic or Special) for BOTH parents
• No Individual Choice: The second parent cannot choose a different plan - they are automatically locked into the same plan
• Irrevocable: Once benefits begin, you cannot change plans for the entire benefit period
• Applies to All Benefits: This affects exclusive and parental benefits for both parents