Applying for Unpaid Compassionate Care Leave

Apply for unpaid Compassionate Care leave to your department head or manager in writing, telling them when you expect to leave and return to work. Generally speaking, the leave begins on the date the medical certificate is issued. Please note that leave must be taken in units of one or more weeks. A copy of a medical certificate, to be completed by your family member (or family member’s representative) and their doctor or medical practitioner must accompany your request.

Your department will then notify either Financial Services for staff or Faculty Relations for faculty by submitting a leave of absence form.

Employment Insurance

If you are taking Compassionate Care leave to care for an family member who falls under EI’s definition, you should apply for Employment Insurance (EI) Compassionate Care Benefits from Service Canada as soon as you receive your Record of Employment (ROE) from Financial Services. (Ensure that Financial Services has your current home address since they will mail the ROE after your last paycheque has been generated.) Your ROE can also be picked up in person, either by making an appointment with your Financial Services Representative, or by proxy if they have a signed letter authorizing them to do so.

Please note that the original medical certificate, to be completed by your family member (or family member’s representative) and their doctor or medical practitioner must accompany your application.

Additional Leave

If you wish to take additional leave after the expiry of your Compassionate Care leave, please refer to Leaves – General Leaves section for your employment group.