Employees must also get these benefits for the period of time after the birth of the child during which the employee is unable to work for reasons related to the birth of the child. An employer may request an employee to provide a medical certificate as evidence of her inability to work. Further information can be obtained from the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission. Maternity leave can start at any time during the 12 weeks before the estimated date of birth. If the employee did not give the employer four weeks notice before starting her leave, the 14 week leave can start at any time during the eight weeks before the estimated date of birth.
Adoption leave starts on the day the child becomes available for adoption.
If parental leave is not being taken with maternity or adoption leave, the leave can be taken any time during the period from the month before the estimated date of birth to eight months after. A medical certificate is needed for this extension. Employers and employees can agree to a longer leave. To prevent misunderstanding, such agreements should be in writing. Women get at least six weeks of leave after the date of birth, even if this causes the total maternity leave taken to be more than 18 weeks.