April 2021

Maternity Leave in Canada | An Employers Guide

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June 19, 2024

Maternity leave is a subject of interest not only for pregnant workers but also for employers. Although many employers see maternity leave as an expense, a good maternity leave policy is beneficial to employers in a lot of ways.

Many employees check out a company's maternity leave policy before they apply for employment even when they are not expecting a baby anytime soon. The general impression most times is that a company that gives attention to maternity leave will have the concern and future of its employees at heart. And truth is, every worker wants to feel valued and treated well.

As a business owner, you need to understand what maternity leave entails, and how you can maximize it for your business growth and improvement. This article will guide you to all you need to know about maternity leave as an employer in Canada.

Understanding maternity leave in Canada as an employer.

Maternity leave is a period in which an employee is granted time off work because of childbirth. It is granted to pregnant women or nursing mothers in an organization, who cannot fulfill their work obligations because of their antenatal or postnatal conditions. 

Sometimes, maternity leave can start before childbirth if the employee requests for it, especially if the pregnant worker has pregnancy complications. Also, maternity leave can start immediately after childbirth.

Although maternity leave may be an unpaid leave, employers are expected to allow their employees to resume their job after maternity leave. As such, the employee does not have to bother about losing their job while on leave.

However, note that maternity leave is not to be mistaken with parental leave even though they are very similar. Parental leave is the time granted to parents to stay off work in order to take care of their new child. Parental leave applies for both biological childbirth and child adoption. While maternity leave is just for pregnant or nursing mothers, parental care may involve both fathers and mothers. 


How long is maternity leave in Canada?

When an employee takes maternity leave, it can create loopholes in the fulfillment of their duties if not properly covered. This is why the duration of maternity leave matters to employers. In most cases, the shorter the leave, the better for the company, depending on the level of importance of the office affected.

According to the Employment Standards in Canada, maternity leave can last up to 17 weeks. However, employees can also apply for parental leave immediately after their maternity leave. That way, they will be able to get extended time off work. Note that the total duration for both maternal and parental leave must not exceed 78 weeks.


How does maternity leave work in different provinces?

From the duration of leave to the starting and ending period, the terms and conditions for maternity leave may vary for different provinces in Canada. Let us consider the provincial differences in the modalities of maternity leave in Canada.

Maternity leave in Alberta.

The earliest an employee can get a maternity leave is 12 weeks before the due delivery date. The total leave duration is 15 weeks with a possible additional 37 weeks of parental leave. To be eligible, employees must have been employed continuously for 52 weeks.


Maternity leave in British Columbia.

Employees in this province can get a maternal leave from as early as 11 weeks before the expected delivery date. The maternal leave is expected to last for 17 weeks while parental leave can last for 35 weeks.


Maternity leave in Manitoba.

Maternity leave here can last up to 17 weeks, with the earliest starting date being 17 weeks before the due date. Employees can also get 37 weeks of parental leave. To be eligible, the employee must have worked for 7 months consecutively.


Maternity leave in New Brunswick.

This province allows for a total of 17 weeks of maternity leave even though workers can start as early as 11 weeks before the due date. Parents can also obtain 37 weeks of parental leave.


Maternity leave in Newfoundland and Labrador

Employees in this province need to be continuously employed for at least 20 weeks before they can obtain a maternal leave. The maternal leave can last up to 17 weeks with a possible parental leave of 35 weeks. The earliest time the leave can commence is 17 weeks before the due date.


Maternity leave in Northwest Territories.

It is possible to get maternity leave 17 weeks before the delivery date, and the total duration of the leave is expected to be 17 weeks. Employees may also apply for a parental leave of up to 37 weeks. Eligibility requires at least 12 months of consistent employment.


Maternity leave in Nova Scotia.

Maternity leave in this province demands at least one year of active employment. Qualified employees may get up to 17 weeks and may start from 16 weeks prior to the expected due date. The pregnant employee may get up to 35 weeks of parental leave while the non-pregnant parent can get up to 52 weeks.


Maternity leave in Nunavut.

It will take 12 months of consistent employment to qualify for maternity leave in Nunavut. The leave can last as long as 17 weeks and can start as early as 17 weeks before the due date. For parental care, a maximum of 37 weeks is allowed.


Maternity leave in Ontario.

13 weeks of continuous employment is enough to be eligible for maternity leave. The maximum leave duration is 17 weeks while the earliest commencement time is 17 weeks before the expected delivery date. Parental care may last up to 35 weeks.


Maternity leave in Prince Edward Island.

Continuous employment for a minimum of 20 weeks is required for maternity leave in this province. The maternity leave can begin as early as 11 weeks before the due date and must not be more than 17 weeks in total. Employers may also obtain 35 - 52 weeks of parental care.


Maternity leave in Quebec.

The total duration allowed in Quebec for maternity leave is 18 weeks. To get additional time off work, employees can apply for parental leave which can last up to 52 weeks.


Maternity leave in Saskatchewan.

This province requires up to 13 weeks of employment to be eligible for maternity leave. Both pregnant and adoptive parents can have up to 18 weeks of maternity leave and may start as early as 12 weeks before the expected delivery date.


Maternity leave in the Yukon.

In Yukon, maternity leave seekers are required to work for at least 12 months before they can apply for maternity leave. The maternity leave may last for up to 17 weeks, with possible parental care of up to 37 weeks.


When does maternity leave start?

The starting period for maternity leave may vary across different employers and employees. However, different provinces may stipulate different maximum starting points according to their different requirements.

Employees who intend to have a maternity leave are expected to submit a maternity leave letter to their employers for approval. The maternity leave letter must follow the specified format and must be submitted at least four weeks before they leave.

Do employers pay for maternity leave in Canada?

Employers in Canada are not mandated by law to pay for maternity leave. However, they are required to provide the time off work and can also provide any extra benefits as they deem fit.

Also, there may be some federal support programs that may provide financial benefits to employees on maternity leave. You can contact Service Canada via a toll-free call on 1800 Canada to find out which of such programs you can benefit from.

As an employer, what do you need to prepare before maternity leave?

When you get a maternity leave letter from your employee, you already know you will have to do without them for as long as they are out. It demands some level of preparation to ensure that your business does not suffer from their absence.

Congratulating the expectant employee/couple is not a bad idea. It shows that you have their best interest at heart and are not just interested in having them work for you. It's a good way to improve employee loyalty.

Before the maternity leave, it is best practice to figure out the best way to fill in for the employee's position to ensure smooth continuity. With a professional Employee Management Software such as Push HCM, you can easily manage your workforce to accommodate the changes.

Remember that your employment insurance demands that the employee's job is secure during the approved maternity leave. So, the solution is not in replacing him permanently.

Also, you may need to inform your team about the expected absence from work so that necessary adjustments can be made. Finally, you can implement other benefits to support your employee throughout the unpaid time off work.

We hope this helps you navigate maternity leave as an employee and an employer!

maternity leave


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The food and hospitality industry is entering a transformative era in 2024 — driven by consumer demand for transparency, health, environmental responsibility, and a touch of culinary innovation. Diners are more informed, adventurous, and values-driven than ever before. Whether it’s a craving for Korean-BBQ tacos, gut-friendly mocktails, or carbon-labeled menus, today’s customers are embracing trends that combine personal wellness with global consciousness.

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For restaurant owners and foodservice managers, keeping pace with the latest food trends is more than a matter of creativity — it’s a necessity for profitability and long-term success. This guide explores the top food trends for 2024, from plant-based innovations to tech-forward sustainability practices, and how operators can successfully integrate them into their businesses.

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Let’s dig into what’s trending, what your customers want, and how your restaurant can stay ahead.

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What Are the Top Food Trends for 2024?

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Here’s a snapshot of the most impactful food trends shaping menus and operations in 2024:

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  • Plant-based innovations – Beyond tofu: think cultivated meats, mushroom mycelium, and chickpea-based seafood substitutes.
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  • Climate-conscious menus – Locally sourced, low-waste, and forward-thinking menus aligned with environmental responsibility.
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  • Functional wellness foods – Ingredients that support mood, energy, and immunity are being infused into dishes and drinks.
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  • Tech-driven dining experiences – AI tools, robotics, and smart systems are elevating back-of-house efficiency and customer-facing dining.
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  • Global flavor fusions – Mashups of regional cuisines (like Indian-Mexican or Korean-South American) offer novelty and richness.
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Why Do Restaurant Owners Need to Pay Attention to Food Trends?

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  • Consumer demand is shifting: According to the National Restaurant Association’s 2024 Culinary Forecast, over 70% of diners say they actively seek healthier, more sustainable options when dining out.
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  • Increased brand loyalty: Restaurants that align with customer values — health, ethics, innovation — earn trust, repeat visits, and social shares.
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  • Operational agility: Trend-oriented kitchens are quicker to pivot when supply chains shift, diets evolve, or digital preferences change.
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Which Foods Are Trending This Year Across the U.S.?

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Rise of Plant-Based Food Trends

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  • Cultivated meats: Also known as lab-grown meats, these are becoming mainstream. Brands like UPSIDE Foods and GOOD Meat are breaking into U.S. markets with chicken grown from animal cells in controlled environments.
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  • Mycoproteins & legumes: Derived from fungi or pulses, protein-rich alternatives like tempeh, jackfruit, and lupin are being used creatively in tacos, BBQ ribs, and seafood analogs.
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  • Mainstream adoption: Major chains like Burger King and Chipotle continue expanding plant-forward menus, while independents offer bold meatless dishes with flavor-forward sauces, global spices, and satisfying textures.
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Healthy Food Trends for 2024

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  • Gut health focus: Probiotic-rich dishes (kimchi grilled cheese or sourdough naan wraps) and fermented sides are on the rise.
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  • Lower-sugar desserts: Sweet treats are being reimagined with monk fruit, dates, and other low-glycemic ingredients.
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  • Immunity boosters: Menus highlight ingredients like turmeric, ginger, vitamin C, and zinc through smoothies, teas, and power bowls.
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  • Clean-label commitment: Consumers are studying ingredient lists, preferring dishes with wholesome, recognizable components.
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Functional Foods and Beverages

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  • Nootropic-infused drinks: Beverages powered by L-theanine or functional mushrooms cater to focus and calm.
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  • Adaptogenic add-ons: Herbs like ashwagandha, maca, and rhodiola are finding their way into smoothies, lattes, and sauces.
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  • Wellness cocktails: Mixed drinks sans alcohol — but heavy on health — promote detox and energy, flavored with botanicals and natural extracts like spirulina, matcha, and activated charcoal.
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How Are Sustainable Food Trends Shaping the Industry?

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From Menu to Sourcing: The Push Toward Sustainability

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  • Local and seasonal sourcing: Supporting nearby farms reduces emissions, ensures freshness, and appeals to community-minded consumers.
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  • Zero-waste operations: Chefs are using root-to-stem cooking, fermentation for food preservation, and creative uses for scraps in sauces or stocks.
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  • Eco-conscious packaging: Compostable containers, reusable to-go kits, and edible cutlery are disrupting traditional takeout models.
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Tech and Innovation in Sustainable Dining

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  • Carbon labeling: Climate impact scores on menus help customers make informed dining decisions, much like calorie counts.
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  • AI-driven inventory management: Tools optimize ordering patterns, reducing spoilage and overstock-related waste.
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  • Vertical farming & hydroponic setups: Onsite or bordered supply chains shorten the farm-to-table journey.
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What Is the Most Popular Food Trend Right Now?

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While many trends are gaining traction, one standout in 2024 is the rise of global comfort fusion — particularly dishes that marry traditional comfort food with spicy, umami-rich flavors.

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  • Korean-Mexican cuisine: Think birria bulgogi tacos or kimchi queso.
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  • Indian-South American mashups: Curried empanadas or tandoori arepas are headline grabbers.
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  • TikTok’s viral influence: Trends like \“chili crisp eggs\” or \“pickle sushi\” are being adapted on local menus, proving that social virality turns into real-world demand.
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How Social Media Is Driving Food Trend Adoption

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Role of Social Media in Accelerating Food Fads

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  • Influencer credibility: A single post from a viral chef or creator can spark national interest in a dish.
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  • Hashtag virality: Foods labeled #ButterBoard or #WaterTok evolve into week-long waitlists and menu must-haves.
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  • User-generated content: Diners love documenting quirky, beautiful, or “you’ve-never-seen-this-before” dishes to share online.
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Leveraging Food Trends for Restaurant Marketing

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  • Seasonal menus & pop-ups: Limited-time offerings based on trending foods motivate urgency and trial.
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  • Social callouts: Encourage diners to tag, post, or review your trend-forward menu items.
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  • Reels and behind-the-scenes content: Show viewers where your ingredients come from or how a niche global dish is made.
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Global and Fusion Food Trends to Watch

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  • Japanese-Peruvian (Nikkei) flavors: Featuring citrusy ceviches with umami-rich miso and soy glazes.
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  • West African influences: Dishes using jollof rice, egusi stew, or fonio grain paired with plant-based elements.
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  • Filipino-American blends: Adobo-braised brisket sandwiches or ube milkshakes have mainstream momentum.
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Tips for Implementing 2024 Food Trends in Your Restaurant

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  • Test with limited-time offers (LTOs): Introduce a trending ingredient as a weekly special or seasonal dish to measure interest.
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  • Survey your customers: Use email lists or POS systems to gather input on potential additions.
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  • Train your staff: Equip them with the knowledge and enthusiasm to explain functional or sustainable items.
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  • Work with specialized suppliers: Align with local farmers, health-focused vendors, or zero-waste packaging providers for smoother execution.
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Final Thoughts: Stay Ahead of the Curve with 2024’s Food Trends

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Adapting to food trends in 2024 isn’t about chasing every new idea — it’s about identifying the trends that align with your market, values, and culinary identity. Plant-based options, sustainability, global flavors, and wellness-centric dining aren’t just appealing — they’re economically vital.

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Restaurants that act early — leveraging data, culture, and digital ecosystems — will attract today’s health-conscious, eco-aware diner and become tomorrow’s industry leaders.

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Ready to Lead the Industry with Smarter Menu Strategies?

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2024 promises bold innovations in food — and your restaurant can thrive by embracing the right trends. Whether you’re scaling functional drinks, reducing kitchen waste, or jumping on the next viral fusion dish, the right tools can help you act faster and smarter.

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Subscribe to the Push blog for expert insights on restaurant operations, emerging food trends, and next-gen hospitality technology. Stay ahead — serve success.

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Internal Links

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External Sources

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  • National Restaurant Association 2024 Culinary Forecast
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  • Technomic’s 2024 Foodservice Trends Report
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  • Mintel Functional Food Trends Analysis 2024
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