Parents Given Leave Option

Parents will soon have the option to spend more time at home with their new babies and adopted children.

The provincial government plans to change the Labour Standard Code to extend parental leave from 17 weeks to 52 weeks for adoptive parents, or in the case of birth mothers, to extend the leave from 34 to 52 weeks. This will allow parents to stay up to a full year at home, while their jobs are protected.

Angus MacIsaac, Acting Environment and Labour Minister, said he is pleased to announce the family-friendly initiative on behalf of his government.

"A child's first year is so important for families. By changing the code, we are allowing more parents to spend more time with their babies and adopted children, during that critical first year," said Mr. MacIsaac

Federal changes introduced earlier this year amended the Employment Insurance Act to extend benefits for birth parents from 25 weeks to 50 weeks, after the two-week waiting period.

The federal government currently provides 35 weeks of benefits after a two-week waiting period to adoptive parents. Nova Scotia's changes will give adoptive parents the option of taking 52 weeks of leave, with job protection.

Jane Purves, Minister responsible for the Nova Scotia Advisory Council on the Status of Women, said she is pleased that the leave will offer families more options.

"Balancing work and family life is important to all Nova Scotians, and particularly to women, whether they are birth mothers or adoptive mothers," said Ms. Purves. "Extending the time for parental leave increases the options for both mothers and fathers, for the benefit of the next generation."

Employment Insurance provides a benefit rate of 55 per cent of average weekly insurable earnings, up to a maximum of $413 a week.