Bereavement Leave (Death in the Family)

Can I get bereavement leave?

In the event of the death of an immediate family member, an employee is entitled to one day paid bereavement leave and up to two days unpaid bereavement leave Immediate family includes:

  • spouse
  • child
  • parent
  • brother or sister of the employee

In the event of the death of a member of the employee's extended family, an employee is entitled to three days unpaid bereavement leave. Extended family includes:

  • grandparent
  • grandchild
  • brother-in-law or sister-in-law
  • mother-in-law or father-in-law
  • son-in-law or daughter-in-law
  • aunt or uncle of the employee 

Effective November 17, 2021, employees who experience a prenatal pregnancy loss or stillbirth are entitled to bereavement leave in the same manner as those who have lost an immediate family member.  An employee who is the spouse, partner, or an intended parent of a child born as a result of a surrogacy agreement, would also be entitled to this leave where there is a prenatal pregnancy loss or stillbirth.

Who can I contact for more information?

Sherwood Business Centre
161 St. Peters Road, 2nd Floor 
PO Box 2000
Charlottetown, PE
C1A 7N8
Telephone: (902) 368-5550
Toll Free: 1-800-333-4362
Fax: (902) 368-5476

This information is meant to serve as a guide only.  The reader is strongly advised to consult the Employment Standards Act to view the legislation.  Where any difference exists between this information and the Act, the Act will be considered correct.

 

Published date: 
June 6, 2024
Workforce, Advanced Learning and Population

General Inquiries

Labour and Industrial Relations
2nd Floor Sherwood Business Centre
161 St. Peters Road, Suite 230
Charlottetown, PE C1A 5P7

Phone: 902-368-5550
Toll-free: 1-800-333-4362
Fax: 902-368-5476

labourrelations@gov.pe.ca