Updated April 2, 2026

Summary

• Proposed amendments establish provincial minimum parental leave entitlements for local elected officials
• Entitlements include as many as 26 consecutive weeks of leave, protection from disqualification and continued remuneration
• Changes will apply to municipal councils, regional districts, Islands Trust and Cultus Lake Park Board

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The Province is proposing a new legislation that will make it easier for local elected officials to take parental leave when they become a parent.

The changes will support gender equity and help more people with caregiving responsibilities participate in local governments.

“As a public office holder and a mother, I know how important it is to welcome a new child without barriers and stress,” said Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. “Clear, consistent parental leave standards don’t just support parents, they empower more caregivers to step forward and lead. This legislation helps make it easier for people to serve their communities while raising children, making public service more accessible, inclusive and supportive.”

Currently, parental leave rules are different throughout B.C. Some local governments have their own policies. Others require elected officials to apply for leave and address them case by case. This inconsistency can be a barrier for people who wish to serve their communities.

Key amendments in the proposed legislation

If passed, this new legislation creates minimum standards that every local government must follow, such as:

• a clear definition of parental leave for all parents or parents to be for pregnancy, birth or adoption
• a minimum of 26 weeks of leave and flexible start dates that can start as many as 4 weeks before the expected birth/adoption or as many as 26 weeks afterward
• local elected officials to continue receiving their pay during leave, but they can choose not to receive
• local elected officials not disqualified from office for missing council or board meetings during parental leave
• ability of the Province to make regulations, if needed, to support the new leave rules

The amendments will apply to the Community Charter, Local Government Act, Vancouver Charter, Islands Trust Act and Cultus Lake Park Act to create consistent, provincewide parental leave standards for mayors, councillors, regional district directors, Islands Trust trustees and Cultus Lake Park Board members.

The action is part of B.C.’s work to strengthen local governance, promote gender equity and reduce barriers to public participation and support local elected officials so they can serve their communities effectively.

Quotes:

Jennifer Blatherwick, parliamentary secretary for gender equity – 

“Welcoming a new child should be a moment filled with support and stability, no matter your role in the community. When people who serve step into parenthood, they deserve clearer, fairer standards for parental leave. That’s why we’re strengthening the foundations of local leadership and opening doors for more women, caregivers and diverse voices to take part."

Cori Ramsay, president, Union of BC Municipalities –   

“This bill will go a long way to support new parents who also serve as local community leaders by ensuring they have adequate time and energy to spend with their child. We are pleased to see the Province introduce the same parental leave entitlements for local elected officials that provincially elected leaders also have. This provision also sends a signal that people from all stages of life have a place in local government leadership.” 

Jenna Stoner, councillor, District of Squamish – 

“While a minimum parental leave allowance for locally elected officials may seem like a small legislative change, it has the potential to make a big difference. From firsthand experience, I know that reforms like this help remove barriers and make local government more accessible to a broader range of people. Moving these amendments forward now will help encourage more diverse and representative leadership in communities across British Columbia for the next municipal election cycle and beyond.”

Learn More:

 For more information about B.C. legislation, visit: https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/legislation/