Changes to tri-agency policies regarding paid parental leave for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows

Following on the announcement in Budget 2019, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council are pleased to announce that the duration of a paid parental leave for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows supported by the agencies is being doubled. The maximum duration will be twelve months instead of six for those on an active paid parental leave on April 1, 2019 or later, including those that began their leave prior to this date. The change applies to holders of a graduate scholarship or postdoctoral fellowship from the granting agencies, as well as to students and fellows who are paid from a supervisor’s agency grant.

Note that an extension is not automatic for those already on leave and a new form must be submitted. Students and fellows who are interested in requesting an extension should refer to the Tri-Agency Research Training Award Holder’s Guide if they hold an award  and the Tri-Agency Financial Administration Guide if they are paid from a supervisor’s agency grant for further details.

This expanded support will provide new parents with more flexibility to address their family responsibilities following the birth or adoption of a child during their research training. It is an important step in the tri-agency initiatives to increase equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Date modified:

2019-06-21