Government to increase parental leave entitlement

Environment and Labour Minister Oliver Langdon announced today that government will introduce legislation to amend the Labour Standards Act to give parents the option of taking up to a year off to care for their newborns and adopted children.

Legislation will be tabled during the fall session of the House of Assembly to increase the parental leave provision of the Labour Standards Act from the current 12 weeks to 35 weeks. This change, coupled with the current 17 week leave provisions provided for maternity and adoption, will enable parents to stay at home for up to one year with job protection.

Earlier this year, the federal government amended the Employment Insurance Act to provide a maximum of 50 weeks combined maternity and parental benefits, after a two week waiting period, rather than the current 25 week maximum.

The Labour Standards Act determines the minimum terms and conditions of employment in the province. This change in the Labour Standards Act will take effect on December 31, 2000.

Media contact: Sean Kelly, Communications, (709) 729-2575.

2000 11 21 2:50 p.m.