A member of Kitchener City Council inspired a local MPP to extend parental leave
Posted May 31, 2017 03:56:28 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
It all began last June, when Kitchener City Councillor Kelly Galloway-Sealock was about to give birth to her third child.
When Kitchener Centre MPP Daiene Vernile heard that Galloway-Sealock would only be allowed to take 12-weeks offs for parental leave, she knew something needed to be done.
“If councillors wanted more time off after having baby or adopting a baby, they would have to go in front of their local council colleagues to ask permission to extend their leave, which I think is demeaning,” says Vernile.
Bill 68 was passed yesterday and now gives 20-weeks of parental leave for Councillors, Mayors and Ontario School Board Trustees.
Vernile adds, “I think the Bill will go a long way in removing barriers that exist that prevent women from getting involved in politics.”
