Welcoming a child is exciting—but it also comes with a lot of questions, especially about healthcare and financial support. Fortunately, Canada offers a solid framework of services and benefits to help expecting and new parents through pregnancy, childbirth, and early parenting.
Whether you’re having your first baby or adding to your family, here’s what you need to know about maternity and parental health benefits in Canada.
Prenatal Care: Covered by Public Healthcare
In Canada, prenatal care is fully covered under the public healthcare system. This includes:
- Regular checkups with a family doctor, obstetrician, or midwife
- Routine bloodwork, urine tests, and ultrasounds
- Screening for conditions like gestational diabetes
Your health card is your access pass—no out-of-pocket fees for medically necessary services.
Tip: In many provinces, midwifery services are also publicly funded, offering a holistic alternative to traditional care.
Labour and Delivery: Covered in Hospitals and Birth Centres
Hospital births are covered by public health insurance, including:
- Labour and delivery (vaginal or cesarean)
- Nursing care
- Standard medications and supplies
- Newborn assessments
Some provinces also fund birth centers and home births when attended by a registered midwife. In all cases, you won’t pay hospital fees if you’re covered under your province’s plan.
Postnatal Care and Support
After the baby arrives, public healthcare continues to support you:
- Newborn checkups
- Postnatal visits for the mother
- Lactation consultation (in some areas)
- Access to immunization clinics and infant development services
Public health nurses often provide home visits during the first few weeks, especially for first-time or high-risk parents.
EI Maternity and Parental Benefits: Financial Help While You Bond
Health care is just part of the story. Employment Insurance (EI) benefits help replace income while you’re off work:
Maternity Benefits
- Available to the person giving birth
- Up to 15 weeks of benefits
- Starts as early as 12 weeks before due date
Parental Benefits
- Can be shared between both parents
- Choose between:
- Standard: Up to 40 weeks (maximum 35 per parent)
- Extended: Up to 69 weeks (maximum 61 per parent)
You need to have worked at least 600 insurable hours in the past year and meet other eligibility criteria. Payments are calculated as a percentage of your average weekly earnings.
Provincial Top-Ups and Additional Benefits
Some provinces and employers offer top-up payments to supplement EI:
- Public employees and unionized workers often receive 90–100% of regular pay for part or all of their leave.
- Quebec has a separate program (QPIP) with more flexible eligibility and generally higher benefits.
Always check with your HR department and provincial benefits program to see what extras may be available.
Other Supports for Expecting Families
- Prenatal classes: Often free or subsidized through hospitals or community centres.
- Mental health services: Many regions offer perinatal counseling and support for postpartum depression.
- Childcare subsidy waitlists: Early registration is wise—even before the baby is born.
Final Thoughts: Prepare Early, Access Fully
Canada’s maternity and parental care system is built to support your health, your baby’s well-being, and your family’s stability. Knowing your rights and options—from prenatal checkups to paid leave—can reduce stress and help you focus on what matters most: enjoying those first precious months together.
