Policy Statement

The city recognizes the need to support employees who require a leave of absence to take care of family obligations.

Application

This policy applies to all employees of the City of Toronto including political staff working in the offices of Members of Council.

Conditions

Employees may request a leave of absence to care for their children or elderly relatives for up to one year. This policy may also be applied to spouses.

Employees must submit a written request to their Division Head or their designate and provide as much notice as possible. The city recognizes that in extenuating circumstances an employee may request this leave at very short notice.

Childcare or eldercare leaves are subject to the approval of the Division Head or their designate.

An employee can request childcare leave as an extension of parental leave.

Requests for an extension beyond one year must be made in writing and are subject to the approval of the Division Head or their designate.

An employee returning from childcare or eldercare leave will return to his/her former position or a suitable alternate position if available.

Salary & Benefits

This is a leave without pay and at no cost to the city. An employee has the option of discontinuing benefits or maintaining benefits coverage (in its entirety) at his/her own expense.

If an employee wants to maintain pension service credits he/she must pay both the employee’s and city’s pension contributions for the duration of the leave.

An employee does not earn service or vacation during the leave.

Approved by

Senior Management Team

Date Approved

July 29, 1999

Last Updated

October 16, 2020

Related Information

Parental Leave