Sample of a corporate family leave policy. (Lawyer reviewed for use in Ontario).

Sometimes, someone we love becomes ill to the point where they are not expected to be around much longer. Someone needs to provide them with care and support during what is likely to be their last months in this world. 

We understand these circumstances and allow you to take up to 8 weeks of unpaid leave in any 26 week period to tend to these types of situations.                                                                                            

The Policy Guideline at XYZ Inc.

 In addition to the days you are entitled to be absent from work due to sickness or personal needs, you may make a request for family medical leave.  This kind of leave will only be granted where a specified family member who has a serious medical condition with a significant risk of death occurring within a period of 26 weeks. Specified family members and relationships are defined as follows:

1.      the employee's spouse (including same-sex spouse) *

2.      a parent, step-parent or foster parent of the employee *

3.      a child, step-child or foster child of the employee or of the employee's spouse *

4.      a brother or sister of the employee *

5.      a grandparent of the employee or of the employee's spouse *

6.      a grandchild of the employee or of the employee's spouse

7.      the father-in-law or mother-in-law of the employee

8.      a brother-in-law or sister-in-law of the employee

9.      a son-in-law or daughter-in-law of the employee or of the employee's spouse

10.  an uncle or aunt of the employee or of the employee's spouse

11.  the nephew or niece of the employee or of the employee's spouse

12.  the spouse of the employee's grandchild, uncle, aunt, nephew or niece

13.  a foster parent of the employee's spouse

14.  a person who considers the employee to be like a family member.  **

*reference to these relationships includes the corresponding "step" relationship.  For example, paragraph 2 above includes a step-grandparent of the employee or of the employee's spouse.

** applies to an employee who takes a family medical leave to provide care or support to "a person who considers the employee to be like a family member" only if the employee, on the employer's request, provides the employer with a copy of the document submitted to the federal government for claiming compassionate care benefits under the Employment Insurance Act (the "Act") in which it is stated that the employee is considered to be like a family member.

The eight weeks does not have to be taken all at once, but cannot be taken in increments of less than one week.

Requests for family medical leave should be submitted in writing to your manager, giving as much notice as possible.  A medical certificate must be produced to support the leave request (ideally in advance, or as soon as possible thereafter).

Intended for guidance/education purposes only. Before using, review with your legal advisors to determine its applicability to you own unique situation.

Chris Wilkinson                

Certified Business Behaviour & Attitudes Analyst.

Business Coach.

Tel: (905) 275-2907 (Mississauga).

E-mail: buspilot@bell.net