Bereavement leave is job-protected time off when a family member dies. You can use this time to grieve, attend a funeral, or handle estate matters without losing your job.
Losing a loved one is difficult. Here’s what you need to know about bereavement leave in Ontario.
How Long Is Bereavement Leave in Ontario?
You get up to 2 days of bereavement leave per calendar year.
Important details:
- The 2 days don’t have to be taken consecutively
- It’s 2 days per year total, not 2 days per death
- Unused days don’t roll over to the next year
- You can take a partial day if needed
Is Bereavement Leave Paid in Ontario?
No, it’s unpaid under the Employment Standards Act (ESA).
However, some employers offer paid bereavement leave in their employment contracts or company policies. Check your employee handbook or contract—your employer may provide more than the legal minimum.
Exception: Federal employees working in industries like banking, telecommunications, and airlines are entitled to 10 days of bereavement leave, with the first 3 days paid after working for 3 months.
Who Is Entitled to Bereavement Leave?
Eligibility: You must have worked for your employer for at least 2 consecutive weeks (14 days).
This applies to:
- Full-time employees
- Part-time employees
- Contract workers
- Temporary employees
Which Family Members Qualify?
You can take bereavement leave for the death of:
- Your spouse (married or common-law)
- Parent, step-parent, or foster parent (yours or your spouse’s)
- Child, step-child, or foster child (yours or your spouse’s)
- Grandparent, step-grandparent, grandchild, or step-grandchild (yours or your spouse’s)
- Spouse of your child
- Brother or sister
- A relative who depends on you for care or assistance
Not covered: Aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, or friends.
How to Take Bereavement Leave
1. Notify Your Employer
- Tell your employer as soon as possible (verbal or written notice is fine)
- Call, email, or text—whatever works in the situation
- If you can’t notify beforehand, inform them as soon as you can
2. Provide Proof (If Asked) Employers can request “evidence reasonable in the circumstances”, such as:
- Death certificate
- Obituary
- Funeral home notification
- Memorial service pamphlet
Most employers won’t ask for proof for short bereavement leave.
Your Rights Are Protected
Your employer cannot:
- Fire you for taking bereavement leave
- Threaten or penalize you
- Pressure you not to take the leave
- Deny your request if you’re eligible
If your employer violates these rights, contact the Ontario Ministry of Labour or consult an employment lawyer.
What If You Need More Time?
The 2-day minimum is often not enough. If you need additional time off:
1. Check Your Employment Contract Your employer may offer more bereavement days than the ESA requires.
2. Use Other Leave Options
- Vacation days
- Personal days
- Unpaid leave (with employer approval)
3. Talk to Your Employer Many employers are understanding and may grant extra time during difficult circumstances.
Federal Employees Get More
If you work in a federally regulated industry (banking, telecommunications, airlines, railways, postal services, broadcasting), you’re entitled to:
- 10 days of bereavement leave
- First 3 days are paid (after 3 months employment)
- Covered under the Canada Labour Code
Bottom Line
In Ontario, you have the legal right to 2 days of unpaid, job-protected bereavement leave per year after working 2 weeks for your employer. Your employer cannot punish you for taking this time.
If you need more time or your employer denies your leave, check your employment contract or speak with an employment lawyer about your options.
