Committee supports parental leave program for city councillors

Councillors endorsed a new 10week paid parental leave policy for new parents Tuesday, calling it a step toward attracting a more diverse city council.

New parents would also be able to take up to 26 weeks of full or part-time leave, and be compensated for the time they work. They would have to work with colleagues and the city clerk’s office to arrange for colleagues to help cover off their duties. That’s what happens currently when councillors get sick or take leave to run for office in federal or provincial elections.

“We all know there are sacrifices involved in public life ... but a new parent shouldn’t have to sacrifice time with their young child,” said Mayor Don Iveson before council’s executive committee endorsed the new policy.

It goes to council for a vote next Tuesday. If it is approved, it would take effect after the provincial Municipal Government Act changes take effect this fall. Those changes will allow individual councils to each set their own policies.

The policy is intended to increase diversity on council, which has become younger over the past couple of terms but is very male dominated. There is only one woman on this 13-member council.

“We want to remove every barrier for women seeking office because right now it’s been up to the council of the day,” said Coun. Bev Esslinger. Council doesn’t pay into employment insurance, which is why they don’t qualify for the full year of leave most parents are allowed to split.

Esslinger called 10 weeks a “pretty minimal” leave but said the additional time gives parents flexibility. “Some studies say you need at least 16 weeks for that bonding period between mother and child.”

The policy doesn’t differentiate between male or female councillors and applies equally to councillors who give birth or adopt a child with their partner.