Today’s Top Story
Friday, May 10
By Alexandra Donaldson
Pregnancy can open up a world of unknowns, but expecting parents in salaried positions can depend on some things: Up to 18 months of maternity leave! Time off for dads! The right to come back to the same role at the same salary. And financial benefits, though it’s not a lot, unless your company tops it up.
That means that when it comes to maternity leave in Canada, the conversation is largely positive. But in practice, it’s more complicated—especially for freelancers, many of whom don’t qualify for or receive any benefits at all.
So, what does mat leave look like when you’re a freelancer? It just doesn’t happen. “I was already working a month after I had my son,” says freelance photographer Jorian Charlton, mom of Soleil, 5, and Kade, 2. “My husband and I are both self-employed and neither one of us has benefits—I felt like I couldn’t take any time.”
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