Background
In the 70s, social groups were the first to call for a Québec family policy. The foundation of this policy was laid in the 80s, and a series of measures targeting families has since emerged. In recent years, a number of steps have led to the implementation of the Québec Parental Insurance Plan (QPIP) and the creation of Conseil de gestion de l’assurance parentale.
- Act respecting parental insurance and the Canada-Québec Final Agreement on the Québec Parental Insurance Plan
- Kickoff of Conseil activities
Act respecting parental insurance and the Canada-Québec Final Agreement on the Québec Parental Insurance Plan
The new Québec Parental Insurance Plan is the result of a negotiations process begun in 1997 with the Government of Canada and unanimous adoption by the Québec National Assembly in 2001 of the Act respecting parental insurance.
In 2004, the Shine Among the Best government action plan stressed the importance of supporting family development. In the wake of this action plan, the Forum of Generations recognized the management and trustee roles conferred on the Conseil to manage the parental insurance plan that Québec wished to create.
The government’s commitment, backed by all social stakeholders, led to the signing of the Canada-Québec Final Agreement on the Québec Parental Insurance Plan (PDF, 262 KB) on March 1, 2005 . This agreement gave Québec the means to implement its own plan as of January 1, 2006 . It also stipulated that the premiums Quebecers paid into the federal employment insurance plan for maternity, parental, and adoption benefits were to be reduced as of January 1, 2006 , with the coming into force of the Québec Parental Insurance Plan. The Agreement also provided for $200 million to be paid by the federal government to the Québec government in support of implementation of the QPIP.
All maternity benefits and parental benefits granted under the federal employment insurance plan before January 1, 2006 , remain the responsibility of Service Canada. These benefits will continue to be paid in 2006 according to the parameters and terms of the federal plan. Furthermore, under the Agreement, the Québec government must reimburse the federal government the amount of these benefits paid in 2006.
On June 15, 2005 , the National Assembly adopted changes to the Act respecting parental insurance. The amendments notably aimed to create the Parental Insurance Fund, improve the representation and independence of the board of directors, and solidify the role of Ministère de l’Emploi et de la Solidarité sociale with regard to the services it provides QPIP recipients.
Kickoff of Conseil activities
The Conseil de gestion de l’assurance parentale began operations on January 10, 2005. Its priorities for ensuring the implementation of the Québec Parental Insurance Plan included
- Helping update the Act respecting parental insurance and adopt regulations
- Defining a funding framework
- Implementing administrative procedures
- Informing the public
According to the business model set out in the Act respecting parental insurance, the Conseil draws on the structures and expertise of government departments and agencies to implement services to citizens and for certain financial operations.
Last update: 2009-12-09
Note: The information contained on this website cannot be used for legal interpretation purposes and does not replace the provisions of the relevant statutes and regulations.
