Maternity leave in Alberta is up to 16 consecutive weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for birth mothers, and parental leave is up to 62 weeks. You're eligible once you've worked at least 90 days for the same employer.
I've built this from the Government of Alberta's maternity and parental leave page, checked in October 2026. The leave itself is unpaid under the Employment Standards Code. Pay while you're off can come from federal Employment Insurance, which has its own rules: my EI maternity benefits guide covers that.
Alberta's rules in one table
| Rule | Alberta |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | At least 90 days with the same employer |
| Maternity leave | Up to 16 consecutive weeks, unpaid |
| Earliest start | 13 weeks before the estimated due date |
| Minimum time off after birth | 6 weeks, unless the employer agrees and a medical certificate says it's safe |
| Parental leave | Up to 62 weeks, unpaid |
| Parental leave must finish | Within 78 weeks of the birth or placement |
| Notice to start leave | Written notice at least 6 weeks before |
Why it's 16 weeks, not 15
Here's a detail most people miss. Alberta says the 16 weeks of maternity leave is one week longer than the Employment Insurance benefit, in recognition of the EI waiting period. Parental leave works the same way: 62 weeks is one week longer than the EI benefit. So your job-protected leave and your EI payments won't line up exactly, and Alberta tells employees to be aware of that before they go.
When maternity leave starts
Leave can start any time in the 13 weeks before the estimated due date, and no later than the date of birth. If pregnancy interferes with the employee's job performance in the 12 weeks before the due date, the employer can require leave to start earlier by giving written notice.
Birth mothers must take at least 6 weeks after the birth for health reasons, unless the employer agrees to an early return and the employee provides a medical certificate saying it won't endanger her health.
Sharing the 62 weeks between parents
Parental leave can be taken by the birth mother straight after maternity leave, or shared between both parents. It can start any time after the birth or adoption but must be completed within 78 weeks of the date the baby is born or placed. If both parents work for the same employer, they can combine parental leave for a maximum of 62 weeks, and the employer doesn't have to grant it to both at the same time.
Paperwork and deadlines
- Give your employer written notice at least 6 weeks before starting maternity or parental leave. You don't have to give a return date then.
- Provide a medical certificate confirming pregnancy and the estimated delivery date if your employer asks. A nurse practitioner or physician can issue it.
- If you couldn't give notice for medical reasons, give written notice and a medical certificate within 2 weeks of your last day at work for maternity leave, or as soon as possible for parental leave.
- Give at least 4 weeks' written notice if you won't be returning to work after your leave.
An employer doesn't have to reinstate someone who fails to give notice or report to work the day after their leave ends, unless that's due to unforeseen or unpreventable circumstances.
If a pregnancy ends
If a pregnancy ends other than in a live birth within 16 weeks of the estimated due date, the employee is still entitled to maternity leave, but not to parental leave, and the leave ends 16 weeks after it starts. Bereavement leave may also apply.
Your job and vacation
- Employees on leave are treated as continuously employed when years of service are calculated.
- Employers must give back the same or an equivalent job after the leave.
- Employers can't terminate or lay off an employee entitled to or on leave, unless the business is suspended or discontinued. If it restarts within 52 weeks after the leave ends, the employee must be reinstated.
- Annual vacation earned before the leave must be taken within 12 months of being earned, so take it at the end of the leave or agree a later date with your employer.
- Complaints can be made while still employed and up to 6 months after the last day of employment.
For holiday pay rules, see my guide to vacation pay in Alberta.
Extensions and discrimination
If something unexpected happens, an employer can approve an extension of leave but doesn't have to. Separately from the leave rules, employers can't discriminate against, lay off, terminate or require an employee to resign because of pregnancy or childbirth. Those protections sit with the Alberta Human Rights Commission. An employee who feels they've been improperly terminated can also file an employment standards complaint.
Want AI doing the heavy lifting in your marketing?
I build the systems that handle the boring 80 percent, so you get your week back. Done properly, with the human kept in.
My verdict
Alberta's leave is generous in length but tight on paperwork. Give 6 weeks' written notice, remember the 90-day eligibility line, and plan your EI claim separately because the weeks don't match. Employers: you don't have to pay wages during the leave unless your contract says so, but you do have to keep the job open.
Frequently asked questions
How long is maternity leave in Alberta?
Up to 16 consecutive weeks of unpaid maternity leave for birth mothers.
How long is parental leave in Alberta?
Up to 62 weeks of unpaid parental leave, completed within 78 weeks of the birth or placement.
Who is eligible for maternity leave in Alberta?
Employees who've worked at least 90 days with the same employer. Employers can still grant leave to people with less service, but don't have to.
How much notice do I give for maternity leave in Alberta?
Written notice at least 6 weeks before starting maternity or parental leave.
Can both parents take parental leave in Alberta?
Yes. Parental leave can be shared between both parents. If they work for the same employer, they can combine it for a maximum of 62 weeks.
Can my employer make me start maternity leave early in Alberta?
Yes, in one case. If pregnancy interferes with your job performance in the 12 weeks before your due date, your employer can require you to start leave earlier by notifying you in writing.
Is maternity leave paid in Alberta?
Employers don't have to pay wages or benefits during leave unless a contract or collective agreement says so. Employment Insurance may provide benefits.
