A reservist leave is an unpaid leave available to an employee for: deployment to a Canadian Forces operation outside Canada (including pre-deployment and post-deployment operations or activities) deployment to a Canadian Forces operation inside Canada that is or will be helping with an emergency or its aftermath (including pre-deployment and post-deployment operations or activities) annual training (including travel time) for up to 20 days in a calendar year To be eligible for this leave, you must have been employed for at least 26 consecutive weeks. The leave is for as long as necessary, except that leave for annual training is for a total of 20 days in a calendar year. Before taking the leave, you must give your employer at least 4 weeks' written notice that includes: start date of leave estimated date of return to work (for leaves for deployment) or actual date of return to work (for leaves for annual training) If you cannot give 4 weeks' written notice before taking the leave, you must give written notice as soon as possible. If the length of the leave changes, you must let your employer know in writing as soon as possible. Before returning to work, you must also give notice: If you have been on leave for more than 4 weeks, you must give your employer at least 4 weeks' written notice before returning to work. If you do not, your employer can postpone your return for up to 4 weeks from the date you give them notice of your return. For example, if you give notice you are returning to work in 2 weeks, your employer can delay your start date for another 2 weeks (so that your employer has 4 weeks' notice total). If you have been on leave for 4 weeks or less, you must give your employer written notice as soon as possible of your return date. This rule does not apply if you are away for annual training and plan to return to work on the date in your original notice. If you decide not to go back to your job, you must give your employer at least 4 weeks' written notice. This means you are quitting your job. Your employer does not pay you termination pay if you quit. An employer can ask for proof that you are entitled to the leave. Your commanding officer must provide your employer with a document stating: you are taking or have taken part in a deployment or annual training the start day of the leave the estimated or actual length of the leave When you return to work, your employer must give you back your old position or give you alternative work that is similar to what you were doing before the leave. Your employer must give you at least the same pay and benefits as you had before the leave. Last Reviewed: November 2020