Parental leave
As a postdoctoral fellow, you are eligible for maternity, parental or adoption leave benefits.
Quebec Parental Insurance Plan (QPIP)
As a postdoctoral fellow paid by your supervisor’s research grant, you are eligible to receive benefits from the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan (QPIP). The QPIP provides benefits to eligible workers taking maternity, parental or adoption leaves.
If you intend to take a parental leave, you must notify your supervisor(s) or mentor(s), Concordia’s benefits department and the postdoctoral development coordinator of your intentions.
You cannot apply for QPIP benefits in advance. You must file your application with the QPIP within the first three weeks of your leave, during the calendar week (Sunday to Saturday) in which you wish to begin your benefit period. Benefit periods always begin on a Sunday.
Once you have applied for QPIP benefits, the QPIP will request your Record of Employment (ROE) from Service Canada. Please note that Concordia will send your ROE to Service Canada three weeks after your last day worked or paid. You can access your ROE by registering for an online account at Services Canada.
You may also be supported by a reduced paid parental leave from your supervisor’s grant(s), in compliance with the funding agency(s) parental leave policies. These funds would be in addition to the QPIP benefits, as long as your weekly salary has decreased by 40 per cent or more compared to your regular salary. You should always consult with your supervisor(s) or mentor(s) and validate your extra earnings with the QPIP.
Tri-Agency grants benefits
As a postdoctoral fellow who is paid by your supervisor’s Tri-Agency grant(s) —Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) — you may be eligible to receive paid maternity or parental leave from the Tri-Agency.
If you are the primary caregiver for a child, the Tri-Agency will reimburse your supervisor’s grant for the paid parental leave. The claim can be made up to 12 months following your child’s birth or adoption.
You must notify your supervisor holding the Tri-Agency grant of your intention to take a maternity or parental leave.
Under this process, you will continue to receive your regular salary from your supervisor’s Tri-Agency grant(s) for up to 12 months. These funds may be combined with Quebec Parental Insurance Plan (QPIP) benefits as long as you meet the eligibility requirements. You should always consult with your supervisor(s) or mentor(s) and validate your extra earnings with the QPIP.
Tri-Agency fellowships
If you are a trainee holding a Tri-Agency fellowship, you may be eligible to interrupt your fellowship for a period of up to 12 months for paid parental leave or for up to three years for unpaid parental leave, or because of medical reasons or because of family-related responsibilities. The end date of your fellowship will be extended by the duration of your leave. You should consult the Tri-Agency policy (CIHR, NSERC and SSHRC have the same policy) to verify the eligibility requirements.
Fonds de recherche du Québec (FRQ) fellowships
If you are a trainee holding a Fonds de recherche du Québec (FRQ) fellowship, you may be eligible for paid parental leave or unpaid maternity leave. You may request to have your FRQ fellowship interrupted for up to six months for paid parental leave or you can request an unpaid interruption and instalment deferral up to 12 months for maternity or parental leave. The end date of your fellowship will be extended by the duration of your leave. You should refer to and abide by the Common General Rules and the Award Holder's Guide set out by the FRQ.
