The fight for equality of rights for both sexes is well established. Historians have described Quebec as a matriarchal society. Mothers taking care of their dozens of children demonstrated their management capabilities and expected their say in family decisions. The right to vote was established in 1940 in Quebec by the pressure groups led by Marie Lacoste Gérin-Lajoie, then Thérèse Casgrain and Idola Saint-Jean. The first elected official was Marie-Claire Kirkland in 1961. And it was only 50 years ago in 1976 that women were recognized with equal rights in the eyes of the law.
Another barrier to equality has fallen recently when the Professional Women’s hockey League was launched in 2024. A record attendance of 21 105 was set at Montreal’s Bell center on april 20th 2024.
Having a baby is a wonderful experience for any parent. But from the government’s point of view, it’s both an expense and an investment.
Parental benefits were introduced in 1990, offering 10 weeks of leave shared between parents, in addition to the 15 weeks of maternity leave. Later, in 2000, parental benefits under the employment insurance program were extended to 35 weeks.
By including a non-transferable leave for fathers (or the second parent), the RQAP encourages a more balanced sharing of family responsibilities. This helps reduce gender disparities in employment and wages.
Although the RQAP represents a public expense, it also generates economic benefits. It maintains families’ purchasing power, stimulating consumer spending. It allows parents to keep their jobs and continue contributing to tax revenues once they return to work. It helps businesses by reducing talent loss and recruitment costs.
In short, parental leave is a strategic investment for the state, promoting birth rates, gender equality, productivity, and child development while supporting long-term economic growth.