Statutory Leaves of Absence (ESA Leaves)

At Lakehead University, we recognize that life's journey includes pivotal moments that may require time away from work. Whether it's welcoming a new family member, addressing personal health, or caring for loved ones, our commitment is to support you through these significant life events.​

Under Ontario’s Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA), eligible employees are entitled to various job-protected leaves. These leaves ensure that you can attend to personal matters without compromising your employment status.​ Each leave type has specific eligibility criteria and durations. For detailed information, please refer to the Ontario ESA Guide.​

  • Ensure that you provide the necessary notice as specified for each leave type. Timely communication facilitates a smooth process for all parties involved.
  • If you have any questions about your benefit entitlements as it relates to a leave of absence from work, please email benefits.hr@lakeheadu.ca

You can find comprehensive information on this page for maternity and parental leave, given the additional planning and documentation required. We encourage you to start there if that applies to your situation.

Long-term Illness Leave

In addition to other leaves (sick, long term disability insurance) employees may be eligible for, the Ontario government offers unpaid Long-term illness leave. Long-term illness leave is a job-protected, unpaid leave available under Ontario’s Employment Standards Act for employees who are unable to perform their job duties due to a serious medical condition. Effective June 19, 2025, eligible employees who have worked at least 13 consecutive weeks can take up to 27 weeks of unpaid leave within a 52-week period, supported by a medical certificate from a qualified health practitioner that confirms the serious medical condition and the expected period of absence. This leave offers important protection for employees needing extended time away from work for their own health while preserving their employment status. For detailed information, please refer to the Long-term Illness Leave page of the ESA Guide.​

Maternity/Parental Leave

Please use our Maternity/Parental Guide when planning your maternity/parental leave.

Please note the following: The rules governing the right to take time off work for pregnancy and parental leave under the ESA are different from the rules regarding the payment of maternity benefits and parental benefits under the federal Employment Insurance Act. For example, a new father may choose to commence a parental leave under the ESA up to 78 weeks after the child is born. However, there may be restrictions on accessing the employment insurance parental benefits at that time. It is extremely important that employees obtain information about their rights to EI benefits if they are considering taking a pregnancy or parental leave under the ESA. For information about maternity and parental benefits, contact Service Canada’s Employment Insurance Automated Telephone Information Service at 1-800-206-7218.

- From the ESA Guide