Preparing for parenthood

The Government of Canada has increased parental benefits. If you are expecting a baby or plan to adopt a child, you may be eligible for employment insurance maternity and parental benefits for up to one year. In addition, you now need only 600 hours of insured work to qualify for benefits. You will find more information at Employment Insurance: New Maternity, Parental and Sickness benefits.
1 800 206-7218

If you drink alcohol while you are pregnant, your child could be at risk for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder — a range of disabilities causing health and behaviour problems. It is one of the leading causes of birth defect. It can be prevented by not drinking while you are pregnant.
1 800 559-4514

Canadian law allows you to adopt a child from another country if you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. To do this, you must sponsor your child for immigration to Canada. You can sponsor a foreign-born child adopted inside or outside Canada. You will find more information at International Adoption and the Immigration Process. For more information contact Citizenship and Immigration Canada.
1 800 242-2100
TTY: 1 888 576-8502

The Live-in Caregiver Program brings workers to Canada on a temporary basis to work as live-in caregivers when there is no one in Canada to fill these jobs. a live-in caregiver is someone who provides care to children, seniors or persons with disabilities in a private home.
1 888 242-2100
TTY: 1 888 576-8502

Child support guidelines set the basic amount that parents providing child support should pay. This amount is based on their income, the number of children involved and the province or territory where the parents live.
1 888 373-2222

Published: October 2003 Updated: 2005-10-28	Top	Important Notices