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May 11 2001 - The Saskatchewan Government has introduced amendments to The Labour Standards Act to provide birth mothers and primary caregivers of adopted children with 52 weeks of job-protected parental leave.

Birth fathers and spouses of primary caregivers will also be eligible for 37 weeks of job-protected parental leave.

"Saskatchewan is increasing its parental leave provisions under The Labour Standards Act to provide workers with job protection when accessing the increased level of employment insurance benefits recently implemented by the federal government," Labour Minister Kim Trew said.

Employees with a child born or adopted on or after December 31st, 2000, and who are on leave when the amendment passes, will be eligible to extend their leave to the new maximum.

"The amendment to The Labour Standards Act provides a couple with job protection for a maximum of 89 weeks - 52 weeks for the birth mother or primary caregiver and 37 weeks for the birth father or spouse of the primary caregiver," Trew said.

"The 89 weeks of combined job protected leave for parents will ensure no matter what the circumstances, families can access the maximum Employment Insurance benefits. The extended parental leaves will help employees balance work and family responsibilities," Trew said.

Trew noted that employment insurance provides benefits for a maximum of 50 weeks, plus an additional two-week waiting period.