Maternity leave in BC is up to 17 consecutive weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for a pregnant employee. Add parental leave and a birth parent can take up to 78 weeks in total, which is about 18 months.
This comes from the Government of British Columbia's employment standards guidance on leaves of absence, checked in October 2026. The leave is unpaid under the Employment Standards Act. Any pay while you're off comes from federal Employment Insurance, which is a separate system with its own rules: my EI maternity benefits guide covers that side.
BC maternity and parental leave at a glance
| Leave | Length | Key rule |
|---|---|---|
| Maternity leave | Up to 17 consecutive weeks | Can start no earlier than 13 weeks before the expected birth |
| Extension after birth | 6 more weeks | If you can't return for reasons related to the birth |
| Leave after a pregnancy ends | Up to 6 consecutive weeks | Can be extended by 6 weeks for related reasons |
| Parental leave | Up to 62 weeks | Each parent can take 1 full period |
| Parental leave after maternity leave | Up to 61 weeks | Total of 78 weeks with maternity leave |
| Parental leave extension | Up to 5 weeks | If the child needs more care |
When maternity leave starts and ends
Leave must begin on or before the date the baby is born, and it can't start earlier than 13 weeks before the expected birth date. After the birth, leave continues for at least 6 weeks. If you want to go back to work sooner than that, you need a certificate from a doctor or nurse practitioner.
If you can't return to work for reasons related to the birth, the leave can be extended by 6 weeks. An employer can ask for a note from a doctor or nurse practitioner stating the expected birth date, the actual birth date or any other reason for the leave.
If a pregnancy ends
If a pregnancy ends, an employee can take up to 6 consecutive weeks of leave starting on the date it ends. If they can't return to work for reasons related to the pregnancy ending, that leave can be extended by another 6 weeks. The employer can ask for a note confirming when the pregnancy ended.
How parental leave fits on top
Parental leave is up to 62 weeks, and both parents can take one full period. It can begin any time within 78 weeks of the baby being born or the child being placed with the family. If the child needs more care because of a physical, psychological or emotional condition, it can be extended by up to 5 weeks.
For the birth parent the maths is different. A pregnant employee can take 17 weeks of maternity leave plus up to 61 weeks of parental leave, for a total of 78 weeks. Parental leave has to start straight after maternity leave ends, unless the employee and employer agree on a different date.
The notice rule
This is the one to get right: employees must submit a written request to their employer at least 4 weeks before taking maternity or parental leave. Put it in writing, keep a copy, and include your expected dates.
- Tell your employer in writing at least 4 weeks before you plan to start.
- Be ready to provide a note from your doctor or nurse practitioner if asked.
- Plan whether parental leave follows straight on from maternity leave.
- Apply for Employment Insurance separately if you want benefits while you're off.
- Agree how your employer will contact you to arrange your return.
Your job while you're on leave
While you're on a leave covered by the Employment Standards Act, your employment is treated as continuous. That means:
- you still get any wage or benefit increases you'd normally receive
- your employer keeps paying into benefit plans, unless you don't want to continue a plan
- annual vacation, termination entitlements, pension, benefits and length of service are calculated as if you were at work
When the leave ends you can come back to your job or one like it, and your employer must contact you to arrange your return. An employer can't fire or lay you off, or change your job conditions, without your written agreement. If the job no longer exists and there's no similar one, an employee who's ready to return can be terminated, but must get compensation for length of service.
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Other leaves that can follow
Maternity and parental leave aren't the only job-protected leaves in BC. If a family member's life is at risk because their health has significantly changed through illness or injury, an employee can take unpaid leave to care for them: up to 36 weeks for a child and up to 16 weeks for a family member over 19. There's also unpaid leave of up to 27 weeks for a serious personal illness or injury. Each one has its own certificate and notice rules, so check them separately rather than assuming they work like maternity leave.
My verdict
BC gives a birth parent up to 78 weeks of job-protected time, which is generous, but none of it's paid by the employer by law. The two things to nail are the 4-week written notice and your EI application, because they're separate and missing either one costs you. Employers: keep benefit plan payments going and plan the return conversation early. For other leaves, see my guide to sick leave in BC.
Frequently asked questions
How long is maternity leave in BC?
Up to 17 consecutive weeks of unpaid maternity leave, with a possible 6-week extension for reasons related to the birth.
How long can a birth parent take off in BC in total?
Up to 78 weeks: 17 weeks of maternity leave plus up to 61 weeks of parental leave.
When can maternity leave start in BC?
No earlier than 13 weeks before the expected birth date, and no later than the date of birth.
How much notice do I give for maternity leave in BC?
A written request at least 4 weeks before taking maternity or parental leave.
Can both parents take parental leave in BC?
Yes. Both parents can take 1 full period of parental leave of up to 62 weeks each.
Is maternity leave paid in BC?
Not by the employer under the Employment Standards Act. Pay may come from federal Employment Insurance, which is a separate program.
