If an employee has been working for their employer for at least 6 months, they can take unpaid leave to care for a critically ill child or adult family member.

• A qualified health practitioner must issue a certificate stating the period during which the family member requires care or support.

The employee can take up to:

• 37 weeks for a critically ill minor child; and

• up to 17 weeks for a critically ill adult family member, unless the certificate specifies a shorter period.

If the family member remains critically ill after the employee returns to work but before the 52-week period expires, the employee can take an extension of the leave or a new leave if a new certificate is issued.

An employee must inform their employer before taking the leave, but if they can't, they should do so as soon as possible.

An employee must provide the employer with the period of the leave. If there is a change in plans, the employee must inform the employer in writing and get their permission.

An employee cannot take leave for the same family member before the 52-week period is over.

Ont. ESA s.49.3