Bereavement Leave

Policy Statement

The City of Toronto recognizes the impact of bereavement and is committed to supporting eligible employees by providing paid bereavement leave upon the death of a family member.

Application

This policy applies to all eligible non-union employees.

For all other employees, please refer to your Collective Agreement

CUPE Local 79 Article 17
CUPE Local 79 Part Time Unit B Article 17
CUPE Local 79 Part Time Recreation Article 15
CUPE Local 79 Part Time Long Term Care and Homes Article 20
Local 3888 Toronto Professional Firefighters Association Article 21
CUPE Local 416 Article 24

Definitions

Family Member:

  • spouse, including common-law or same-sex partner
  • parent including stepparent and parents of spouse
  • child including stepchild
  • the spouse of a child of the employee
  • the employee’s sibling or sibling of the employee’s spouse
  • grandparent, including grandparent of spouse
  • grandchild
  • Indigenous Elder(s)

For family members not identified above, employees may access up to two (2) unpaid bereavement leave days as provided under the Ontario Employment Standards Act (ESA).

Bereavement leave | Your guide to the Employment Standards Act | ontario.ca

Entitlement

Four (4) days paid leave due to the death per family member listed above.

Conditions

The leave may commence no earlier than the date of the death and must be completed within the seven (7) consecutive calendar days following the day of the funeral or memorial service held in lieu of a funeral within 12 months from date of death. The leave may be taken non-consecutively.

If the death of a family member occurs during an employee’s vacation, the employee will be granted bereavement leave with pay and the vacation credits will be restored.

Employees must inform their People Leader in writing of the death and dates of bereavement leave.

Employees may be required to provide supporting documentation if requested to support their leave.

 

Benefits & Pension

Benefits and pension are not affected during bereavement leave.

Job Security & Service

Service continues to accumulate during bereavement leave.
The use of bereavement days extends the duration of a probationary period.

Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed periodically to ensure continued relevance, effectiveness and alignment with City priorities and legislative requirements. The City reserves the right to amend or discontinue this policy at any time, subject to governance and approvals.

Approved by

Total Rewards, People & Equity

Date Approved

July 29, 1999

Last Update

June 22, 2026

Date modified: June 22, 2026